Effective July 1, 2021: Adults 21 and older in Connecticut may use and possess recreational marijuana up to 1½ ounces (and up to 5 ounces in a locked container in their home or in their car’s glove box or trunk). The new legislation will also expunge past convictions for marijuana possession.
Retail sales of recreational marijuana in Connecticut are not expected to begin until sometime next year. Additionally, as of July 1, 2023, anyone 21 and older can grow up to six plants in their home (three mature and three immature plants), with no more than 12 plants per household at any time.
Connecticut is now the 19th state to legalize recreational marijuana, following New Mexico, New York, Virginia, and New Jersey in 2021 alone. Despite the increase in states legalizing it, marijuana remains illegal under federal law.
Employers may still continue to enforce drug-free workplaces and the law allows for employers to take adverse action against an employee who is impaired at work. From Governor Lamont’s press release: “This legislation allows employers to continue to enforce drug-free workplaces, and respects the need for employers to maintain workplace safety and to remain in compliance with federal laws and contracts. As such, employers in certain industries, such as manufacturing and healthcare, are considered “exempt” from the employment provisions of this law. The law allows employers to take adverse actions against employees who are impaired at work. The law says that nonexempt employers may not prohibit the off-work use of cannabis or take adverse action against an employee or a potential employee for a positive THC test unless such employer has adopted employment policies stipulating as such. Generally, an employer may not take adverse action against an employee or potential employee for use of cannabis prior to applying for or working at such employer.”
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For more information on Medical or Recreational Marijuana, and whether they affect your state, visit our resource guide at the Hire Image Resource Library.
