The Connecticut Senate has approved recreational marijuana legalization by a 19-17 margin.

The state Senate began its debate just after 9 p.m. Monday and finalized the vote justafter 1 a.m. Tuesday.

The Connecticut House of Representatives plans to call the bill on Wednesday – just hours before a midnight deadline to pass new laws.

The plan for legalized recreational marijuana is a massive 300-page bill.  

If approved, on July 1, recreational cannabis will be fully legal for anyone 21 and over. Next May, retail sales will start.

Licenses would be distributed by lottery with "social equity" applicants from distressed neighborhoods getting priority.

Connecticut residents will also be allowed to grow up to six plants per person starting in July 2023.  Medical marijuana patients could start this October.

Cities and towns could ban marijuana sales, either through zoning or a public referendum.

The bill also includes help for “social equity” applicants to get into the cannabis business, including mentorship programs, college training programs, and help finding investors. Those with minor marijuana convictions could also get them erased.