"This has been years in the making. The amount of revenue that will be generated and directed back into our distressed communities is an unprecedented investment in communities of color," said DeVaughn Ward, MPP's senior legislative counsel.
The Marijuana Policy Project also notes the legislation sets aside 50% of licenses for equity applicants, which include residents of communities that have been “disproportionately impacted” by drug-related crimes and high unemployment. Also, up to 75% of revenue will be dedicated toward equity efforts and community reinvestment, the group said.
Steven Hawkins, executive director for the Marijuana Policy Project, a group that advocated for the bill, applauded the governor and state lawmakers for getting the bill over the finish line. "Connecticut has recognized that cannabis legalization is a civil rights issue and crafted a legalization law that aims to redress the unequal enforcement of cannabis laws and the harm caused by marijuana prohibition to Black and Brown communities, young people, and other marginalized groups," said Hawkins.
"The D.C.-based Marijuana Policy Project has played a crucial role in the legalization process in many states and now adds Connecticut to its list of success stories."
"The MORE Act promises to address many of the harms caused by prohibition using an equity and justice-centered framework that allows the communities most harmed to access the health and economic benefits of the cannabis industry. This is the approach to legalization that our country needs," said Tahir Johnson, MPP's director of social equity and inclusion.
"This year has shown us that state legislatures are capable of rising to the challenge to end cannabis prohibition. A supermajority of Americans have made it clear that they favor a system of legalization and regulation rather than the status quo. This victory will add to the momentum towards cannabis policy reform in other states and at the federal level," said Karen O'Keefe, MPP's director of state policies.
"Connecticut will become the 19th state to end the prohibition on marijuana, which remains an illegal drug under federal law," according to the Marijuana Policy Project.
"This year has shown us that state legislatures are capable of rising to the challenge to end cannabis prohibition. A supermajority of Americans have made it clear that they favor a system of legalization and regulation rather than the status quo," said Karen O’Keefe, MPP's director of state policies.
Todd starts the show joined by Karen O’Keefe of the Marijuana Policy Project to speak on the latest regarding legalization of marijuana in Connecticut.