Lawmakers discuss marijuana legalization

Hartford (AP) — Connecticut lawmakers held a public hearing Monday to discuss details of a new bill proposed by the governor that would legalize recreational marijuana in the state.

At the meeting inside the Capitol complex in Hartford, legislators on the state’s Judiciary Committee heard from representatives of Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont’s administration about the bill that would allow adults 21 or older to use and possess recreational marijuana up to 1.5 ounces.

The 108-page bill introduced during Lamont’s February State of the State speech would automatically erase convictions of possession of 4 ounces or less of pot for people convicted before 2015. Those convicted after 2015 can petition the court for erasure.

“We have to recognize the war on drugs has had a tremendously destructive impact on certain communities,” said Jonathan Harris, senior adviser to the governor.

He added that nearby states like Massachusetts and Vermont have already legalized marijuana or are on track to legalize it like Rhode Island and the state “can’t stick our heads in the sand” anymore.

The efforts to legalize marijuana come after last year’s attempt failed.

Marc Pelka, the governor’s top criminal justice aide, said the objective is to help repair the harm that past policies criminalizing possession of marijuana created and to lower the barriers for people with those convictions to get employment, stable housing and education among other things.