On May 4, Connecticut lawmakers gave the green light to a bill that would ban so-called gifting events involving marijuana, also known as cannabis bazaars. The bill, which advanced through the House in late April, was approved by the Senate in a 22-13 vote. Governor, Ned Lamont (D) finally signed the legislation in late May.
“Municipalities can now fine residents up to $1,000 for gifting a cannabis plant or other cannabis-related product to another individual in exchange for any kind of donation, including an admission fee, or as part of any giveaway such as a swag bag. The state can also separately issue $1,000 fines for failing to pay sales taxes,” reported ctpost.com
In addition, the legislation restricts cannabis advertisements, eliminates fees for medical cannabis patients, creates a task force to study hemp production and requires members of the cannabis Social Equity Council to attend half of the meetings or give up their seats.
Cannabis Advocates Expressed Concerns
During a public virtual hearing streamed live in March, business owners and cannabis advocates expressed concerns about the bill that seeks to address the loophole of cannabis “gifting.”
“It’s important to be able to gift cannabis because not everybody has the financial stability that they need in order to enter into the medical program,” said Christine Capitan from Canna Warriors, a local organization.
Rep. Michael D’Agostino (D) of Hamden said the newly proposed bill was…
