State Reps to Host Marijuana Legalization Hearing

By Gabriella Iannetta

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FILE-Medical marijuana and pill bottle

State representatives will host an informational hearing on the legalization of recreational marijuana usage next week, the Connecticut General Assembly said. 

New Haven State Reps. Juan Candelaria and Toni Walker will have the discussion on legalizing recreational marijuana use in Connecticut. The state has already decriminalized small amounts of the drug and created programs that allows marijuana to be used for medical purposes.

“We should seriously be considering the decriminalization of this substance for recreational use and capitalize on the many financial benefits it would bring the state coffers," Candelaria said.

Candelaria introduced the legalization of recreational marijuana usage for this session.

The General Assembly said several lawmakers in favor of the legalization measure along with safety experts and a guest speaker from Colorado will speak at the meeting. Marijuana recreational use is legal in Colorado. 

The assembly is asking the public to attend the discussion from 12:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Apr. 5 at the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Participation sign-up will begin at 8:30 am on the First Floor Atrium. For more information, please contact Milagros Acosta at Milagros.acosta@cga.ct.gov or 860-240-8773.