Cannabis Laws in Connecticut
When Was It Legalized?
Connecticut legalized medical marijuana in 2012 through Senate Bill 1014. Recreational cannabis was legalized on July 1, 2021, when Governor Ned Lamont signed Senate Bill 1201 (the "Connecticut Clean Slate Law").
Who Can Use Medical Marijuana in Connecticut?
Connecticut residents with a qualifying medical condition and a doctor's recommendation can obtain a medical marijuana card. Qualifying conditions include:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Parkinson's disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Spinal cord injury with spasticity
- Epilepsy
- Cachexia
- Wasting syndrome
- Crohn's disease
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Sickle cell disease
- Post laminectomy syndrome
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Cystic fibrosis
- Irreversible spinal cord injury
- Terminal illness requiring end-of-life care
- Uncontrolled intractable seizure disorder
- Chronic pain (of at least 6 months duration)
- PTSD
- Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
- Chronic neuropathic pain associated with degenerative spinal disorders
Recreational Use
Recreational cannabis use is legal for adults 21 and older in Connecticut. Key limitations include:
- You must be 21+ to purchase, possess, or use cannabis
- Public consumption is prohibited
- Driving under the influence remains illegal
- Employers can still maintain drug-free workplace policies
Possession Limits
Recreational users: Adults 21+ can legally possess up to 1.5 ounces (42.5 grams) of cannabis flower or equivalent amounts of concentrates in public, and up to 5 ounces at home in a secured location.
Medical patients: Registered patients can purchase up to 3 ounces per month or as specifically recommended by their physician.
Growing Laws
As of July 1, 2023, adults 21+ in Connecticut can legally grow up to:
- 6 plants per individual (3 mature, 3 immature)
- 12 plants per household maximum (6 mature, 6 immature)
Medical marijuana patients and their caregivers were allowed to begin home cultivation on October 1, 2021, with the same plant limits.
How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Connecticut
- Check if you qualify - Review the qualifying conditions list above to see if your condition is eligible for medical cannabis treatment in Connecticut.
- Get a doctor's approval - Schedule an appointment with a licensed physician in Connecticut who is registered with the state's medical marijuana program. They will need to certify that you have a qualifying condition.
- Submit your application - Register online with the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection's Medical Marijuana Program. You'll need your physician's certification, proof of identity, proof of residency, and a recent photograph.
- Pay the registration fee - The standard fee is $100 for patients, though there are fee waivers available for those who qualify.
- Receive your MMJ card - Once approved, you'll receive your medical marijuana card, which allows you to purchase from licensed dispensaries.
Where to Buy Cannabis in Connecticut 🏬
Licensed Dispensaries in Connecticut:
2280 Berlin Turnpike, Newington, CT
Phone: (860) 384-5513
Website: finefettle.com
471 E Main St, Branford, CT
Phone: (203) 488-8000
Website: bluepointwellnessct.com
887 Norwich-New London Turnpike, Montville, CT
Phone: (860) 953-0219
Website: shopbotanist.com
3568 Winsted Rd, Torrington, CT
Phone: (860) 618-7771
Website: stillriverwellness.com
CBD & Hemp Laws in Connecticut
Is CBD legal in Connecticut? ✅ Yes
Can you buy CBD without a prescription? ✅ Yes
Where to Buy CBD: CBD products derived from hemp (containing less than 0.3% THC) are legal to purchase at retail stores, specialty CBD shops, certain pharmacies, and online.
Connecticut follows federal guidelines established in the 2018 Farm Bill, which legalized hemp and hemp-derived CBD products containing less than 0.3% THC. The state has implemented its own hemp program regulated by the Connecticut Department of Agriculture.
💡 Read Also: CBD vs. THC – What's the Difference?
Take Our CBD Quiz to Find Your Perfect ProductCannabis & Driving Laws in Connecticut 🚗
Can You Drive While High? ❌ Illegal
THC Limits for Driving: Connecticut uses a behavioral impairment standard rather than a specific THC blood level limit. Law enforcement officers are trained to detect impairment through field sobriety tests and may request a drug recognition expert evaluation.
DUI Penalties:
- First offense: Up to 6 months in jail (mandatory 48 hours or suspended sentence with probation), $500-$1,000 fine, 45-day license suspension followed by 1 year with ignition interlock device
- Second offense: Up to 2 years in jail (mandatory 120 days), $1,000-$4,000 fine, 45-day license suspension followed by 3 years with ignition interlock device
- Third offense: Up to 3 years in jail (mandatory 1 year), $2,000-$8,000 fine, permanent license revocation (may apply for reinstatement after 2 years)
Legal vs. Illegal Cannabis Products in Connecticut
| Product Type | Legal Status | Purchase Location | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cannabis Flower | ✅ Legal (21+) | Licensed dispensaries | Up to 1.5oz in public, 5oz at home |
| Edibles | ✅ Legal (21+) | Licensed dispensaries | 5mg THC per serving, 100mg per package |
| Concentrates | ✅ Legal (21+) | Licensed dispensaries | Equivalent to 1.5oz flower limit |
| Topicals | ✅ Legal (21+) | Licensed dispensaries | Must follow packaging/labeling requirements |
| CBD Products | ✅ Legal (all ages) | Retail stores, online | Must contain less than 0.3% THC |
| Homemade Extracts | ❌ Illegal | N/A | Using volatile solvents is prohibited |
| Black Market Products | ❌ Illegal | N/A | Untested, potentially unsafe |
FAQ About Connecticut Cannabis Laws
You can legally transport cannabis within Connecticut if you're 21+ or a registered medical patient, keeping within legal possession limits (1.5 ounces in public). However, it's illegal under federal law to cross state lines with cannabis, even if you're traveling to another legal state like Massachusetts or New York. Cannabis must be stored in a sealed container and kept out of reach while driving (such as in the trunk).
Yes, edibles are legally available in Connecticut for adults 21+ and medical patients. For recreational users, products are limited to 5mg THC per serving and 100mg THC per package. Medical patients can purchase higher-potency products. All edibles must comply with state packaging requirements, including child-resistant packaging and clear labeling of THC content.
Possession of more than 1.5 ounces but less than 5 ounces is a civil violation with a $500 fine for first-time offenders. Possession of more than 5 ounces can result in misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the amount and intent. Distribution without a license remains illegal and carries significant penalties, especially for larger quantities or sales to minors.
Many Connecticut dispensaries offer discounts for seniors (typically 65+) and veterans. These discounts are set by individual dispensaries rather than state law and typically range from 10-20% off. Some dispensaries also offer financial hardship discounts, first-time patient specials, and loyalty programs. Contact your local dispensary directly for their specific discount programs.