Be In The Know CT

Cannabis is Legal for Adults 21+ in Connecticut

Be in the know! Connecticut laws about buying, carrying, and using cannabis have changed.

Get the facts on Connecticut's cannabis laws, how cannabis impacts your health, guidelines for families, and signs of problem use.

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Parents
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Youth
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Pregnancy
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Problem Use
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Potency
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Resources

Know the Laws

Cannabis is legal for adults 21+, but there are limits regarding possession and growing marijuana plants. Just like with tobacco and alcohol, it is illegal for anyone under 21 to purchase, use, or possess cannabis.

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Possession

An individual may possess and use up to 1.5 oz of cannabis.

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Retail

Retail sales will begin on January 10, 2023.

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DUI

Driving under the influence of cannabis is against the law. It is against the law for both drivers and passengers to use cannabis in a vehicle while it is operating.

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Storage

Individuals in Connecticut may also store up to 5 oz in a locked container at home or transport it in a locked glovebox or trunk.

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Grow

Medical marijuana patients can grow up to 3 mature and 3 immature plants at home (up to 12 total plants per household). All adults 21+ will be able to grow under the same rules starting July 1, 2023.

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Travel

Driving across state lines with cannabis is illegal and can lead to federal criminal charges.

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Minors

It is illegal for adults to provide cannabis to minors.

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Employment

Some jobs may prohibit an employee from using cannabis, even when they are off the clock.

What to know: Smoking and Vaping

In general, you won't be able to smoke or vape cannabis anywhere you can't smoke or vape tobacco.

Cities and towns may enact ordinances to regulate whether and where cannabis can be consumed in public.

At home, landlords may prohibit smoking and vaping, but they generally may not prohibit possession or consumption of other forms of cannabis.

Cannabis use will be prohibited in state parks and on state beaches and waters.

Store it Locked!

Like many other substances, cannabis is toxic for children and pets. Make sure children cannot access cannabis products in any form. A safe storage plan can help lower the risk of accidental ingestion.

Be Safe. Remember to:

  • Keep cannabis in a secure and locked place. Cannabis products should be out of sight and out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion.
  • Store cannabis products in their original containers and keep the label. Labels on cannabis products from licensed cannabis establishments will have important information including how much THC is in the product.
  • Consider using a safe or lockbox with a combination lock or keypad.
  • Make a list of cannabis products in your home. Knowing exactly what cannabis products you have in your home can help with medical treatment in case of accidental ingestion.

If a child ingests cannabis, get help immediately. Call Poison Control 1-800-222-1222.

If a pet ingests cannabis, call Animal Poison Control 1-888-426-4435.

Health Risks

Cannabis is often viewed as harmless when compared to other drugs. However, cannabis can cause many physical and mental issues, especially in developing teens. Such issues can include:

  • Problems with memory and focus
  • Increased aggression
  • Poor lung health (from smoking or vaping cannabis)
  • Risky behavior
  • Weaker coordination and thinking skills
  • Schizophrenia and other long-lasting mental disorders
  • Marijuana Use Disorder

If you use cannabis, tell your doctor. Some medications have harmful interactions with cannabis that can put your health at risk.

Mental Health

Studies link marijuana use to depression, anxiety, suicide planning, and psychotic episodes. If you are using cannabis to help you deal with stress or anxiety, talk with your doctor. For some people, cannabis use can make mental health worse.

Some cannabis products have very high potencies of THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). THC is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that creates a high. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also reports that daily or near daily use of high-THC cannabis products can cause disorientation, anxiety, and even psychosis.

Learn more about marijuana and mental health.

How to Safely Dispose of Cannabis Waste

It's important to know how to safely dispose of cannabis, cannabis products and cannabis waste. These items may contain high levels of THC and can be dangerous to both children and animals if ingested.

  • Cannabis waste should be mixed with other waste material, like coffee grounds or kitty litter, so it can't be used.
  • The waste mixture should be in a taped and sealed container, like an empty yogurt cup, and thrown into regular trash.
  • If cannabis packaging is recyclable, throw EMPTY and CLEAN containers away with other recyclables.
  • If the packaging is not recyclable, throw the EMPTY package away with the regular trash.
  • Do not flush cannabis products or packaging down the sink or toilet.

If you think your cannabis use is disrupting your daily life or causing problems at work or at home, or if you crave cannabis, you can call 1-800-563-4086 to find out about healthcare and substance use services in your community.