State Democrats roll out plan to make recreational pot legal

Democrats proposed a bill in the State Capitol Wednesday that would let anyone aged 21 and older possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana.

News 12 Staff

Feb 6, 2019, 7:55 PM

Updated 2,073 days ago

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Democrats proposed a bill in the State Capitol Wednesday that would let anyone aged 21 and older possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana and allow people to grow "a limited number" of marijuana plants in their home.

The proposal would also remove any marijuana possession convictions from a person's criminal history.

"It is already on our doorstep, as we know, with Massachusetts having already implemented legalization," says state Sen. Martin Looney, the Senate president.

The plan does not specify how or where marijuana could be sold. Democratic leaders say those details are still being worked out.
Republicans and law enforcement announced they will fight the proposal. They say they are worried about more impaired drivers and more teenagers trying marijuana through vaping products.

Recreational marijuana is currently legal in 10 states.

Gov. Ned Lamont says he backs some form of recreational marijuana. Supporters say they think sales could bring in up to $150 million a year in taxes.