Post by Logan on Feb 11, 2016 20:19:16 GMT -6
HARTFORD – With other New England states considering legalizing the recreational use of marijuana, a New Haven lawmaker wants a discussion about the issue at the Capitol this session.
"I'm going to be pushing very hard," Rep. Juan Candelaria, a Democrat, said Thursday, the day he introduced legislation that would legalize the sale and use of marijuana for adults over 21. "I'm going to be engaging my leadership in conversation to at least allow a public hearing."
Candelaria knows legalization may be a long shot – he introduced a similar bill last year that was never raised in committee – but he thinks it's important lawmakers hear from the public. A Quinnipiac Poll last March showed 63 percent of voters supported allowing adults to legally possess small amounts of marijuana for personal use.
In addition to "taking the drugs out of the hands of dealers," the legalization and taxation of marijuana could bring revenue to the state at a time when large deficits are looming, Candelaria said. Colorado marijuana businesses sold nearly $1 billion of product last year, generating $135 million in taxes and fees.
Read more: www.courant.com/politics/capitol-watch/hc-connecticut-marijuana-bill-0212-20160211-story.html
"I'm going to be pushing very hard," Rep. Juan Candelaria, a Democrat, said Thursday, the day he introduced legislation that would legalize the sale and use of marijuana for adults over 21. "I'm going to be engaging my leadership in conversation to at least allow a public hearing."
Candelaria knows legalization may be a long shot – he introduced a similar bill last year that was never raised in committee – but he thinks it's important lawmakers hear from the public. A Quinnipiac Poll last March showed 63 percent of voters supported allowing adults to legally possess small amounts of marijuana for personal use.
In addition to "taking the drugs out of the hands of dealers," the legalization and taxation of marijuana could bring revenue to the state at a time when large deficits are looming, Candelaria said. Colorado marijuana businesses sold nearly $1 billion of product last year, generating $135 million in taxes and fees.
Read more: www.courant.com/politics/capitol-watch/hc-connecticut-marijuana-bill-0212-20160211-story.html