The History of Medical Marijuana in Connecticut
In 2012, House Bill 5389 was passed in Connecticut, introducing The Connecticut Medical Marijuana Program. This program made it legal for qualified patients with a doctor’s recommendation to use marijuana as medicine. To ensure that patients had access to their medication, the bill allowed for two licensed producers of medical marijuana and up to 10 dispensaries throughout the state.
Since then, House Bill 5450 has been passed in 2018, expanding the program even further by allowing more producers and dispensaries. Patients can now register with any one of the approved dispensary centers across the state and receive medicinal cannabis products if they are qualified under the program criteria. Physician authorization is necessary before registering as a medical marijuana user in Connecticut.
Those wishing to participate in The Connecticut Medical Marijuana Program, they must be at least 18 years old and have one of the approved conditions to qualify. The list of qualifying medical conditions includes chronic pain, cancer, glaucoma, AIDS/HIV, and many more. After registering with a dispensary the patient can purchase marijuana products such as oils, edibles, tinctures, and flower. All products are tested and inspected to ensure safety, potency, and quality. Patients may also be eligible for discounted rates on their medicinal cannabis purchases based on financial need or disability status.
Connecticut allows both licensed producers and dispensaries to operate in the state, allowing patients a greater variety of product offerings. Producers are responsible for producing cannabis products, while dispensaries provide a safe and secure environment for patients to purchase their medication. Producers must follow strict guidelines set forth by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection when growing, processing, and distributing marijuana in order to ensure safety and quality standards are met. Dispensaries must also adhere to governmental regulations when selling products such as providing the detailed product.
The state also offers financial aid programs to qualified patients and caregivers. The Department of Consumer Protection has created the Medical Marijuana Program (MMP) which helps provide low-cost cannabis purchases for those in need. People with certain disabilities can qualify for the MMP’s reduced prices, making it easier for them to access affordable medical marijuana.
