Connecticut Cannabis Laws: Complete Guide 2026
Connecticut legalized recreational cannabis through SB 1201 (Public Act 21-1), the Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis Act (RERACA), signed into law on June 22, 2021. Adult-use retail sales began January 10, 2023. The state's medical marijuana program has operated since 2012.
Is Marijuana Legal in Connecticut?
Yes, both medical and recreational marijuana are legal in Connecticut:
- Medical Cannabis: Legal since 2012 (PUMA - Public Act 12-55)
- Adult-Use Cannabis: Legal since July 1, 2021 (Public Act 21-1)
- Adult-Use Sales: Began January 10, 2023
- Home Cultivation: Legal since July 1, 2023 (3 mature + 3 immature plants)
Key Legislation
| Law | Citation | Effective Date |
|---|---|---|
| Palliative Use of Marijuana Act (PUMA) | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-408 et seq. (Public Act 12-55) | 2012 |
| Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis Act (RERACA) | Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-420 et seq. (Public Act 21-1, SB 1201) | July 1, 2021 |
| Home Cultivation Amendment | Public Act 21-1 | July 1, 2023 |
| Cannabis-Infused Beverage Regulations | Public Act 24-76 | 2024 |
Regulatory Agencies
Connecticut cannabis regulation is overseen by multiple agencies:
Department of Consumer Protection (DCP)
- Website: portal.ct.gov/cannabis
- Oversees licensing and compliance
- Medical marijuana patient registration
Social Equity Council
- Promotes equity in cannabis industry
- Reviews license applications
- Community reinvestment programs
Adult-Use Cannabis (21+)
Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-420, adults 21 and older may:
Possession Limits:
- 1.5 ounces of cannabis on your person
- 5 ounces stored at home (must be in locked container or space)
- Cannabis products equivalent to 5 grams THC (edibles, concentrates)
Home Cultivation (as of July 1, 2023):
- Up to 3 mature (flowering) plants per person
- Up to 3 immature (vegetative) plants per person
- Maximum 12 plants per household (if 2+ adults)
- Plants must be in an enclosed, locked space
- Not visible from public areas
- Only adults 21+ may cultivate
- Must use your own residence
Prohibited Activities:
- Public consumption (fine: $100-500)
- Consumption in motor vehicles
- Providing cannabis to persons under 21
- Possession on school grounds
- Consumption at workplace (unless permitted)
- Exceeding possession limits
Medical Marijuana Program (PUMA)
Connecticut's medical marijuana program operates under the Palliative Use of Marijuana Act (PUMA), Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-408.
Qualifying Conditions:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Parkinson's disease
- Multiple sclerosis
- Damage to spinal cord nervous tissue
- Epilepsy
- Cachexia/wasting syndrome
- Crohn's disease
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Chronic pain lasting 6+ months
- Severe nausea
- Severe muscle spasms
- Sickle cell disease
- Post laminectomy syndrome with chronic pain
- Severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Ulcerative colitis
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Cerebral palsy
- Cystic fibrosis
- Irreversible spinal cord injury with objective neurological indication
- Terminal illness requiring end-of-life care
- Uncontrolled intractable seizure disorder
- Tourette syndrome
- Opioid use disorder (for cannabis-based medication)
Medical Patient Benefits:
- Higher possession limits (up to 2.5 ounces per 30 days)
- Lower taxation (exempt from adult-use taxes)
- Priority service at hybrid dispensaries
- Home cultivation rights
- Employment protections under PUMA
- Access to higher potency products
Patient Registration
Requirements:
- Connecticut resident
- Physician or APRN certification
- Complete online application via DCP portal
- Provide ID and proof of residency
- Pay registration fee: $100 (or $25 reduced fee for qualifying individuals)
Card Validity: 1 year from issuance
Taxation
Adult-Use Cannabis:
- 6.35% state sales tax
- 3% local municipal tax
- THC-based excise tax: $0.00625 per mg THC for flowers, $0.0275 per mg for edibles
- Total effective tax rate: Approximately 20-25%
Medical Cannabis:
- Exempt from adult-use excise taxes
- Standard 6.35% sales tax applies
- Reduced pricing at dispensaries
Penalties for Violations
Adults 21+ Civil Penalties:
| Violation | Penalty |
|---|---|
| 1.5 - 5 oz (outside home) | $100-$500 fine |
| Public consumption | $100-$500 fine |
| Consumption in vehicle | $100-$500 fine |
| Providing to 18-20 year old | Infraction, $500 fine |
Criminal Penalties: Under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-279:
| Offense | Classification | Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Possession > 5 oz (non-medical) | Class A Misdemeanor | Up to 1 year, $2,000 fine |
| Distribution without license | Felony | Up to 5-20 years |
| Distribution to minor under 18 | Felony | Enhanced penalties |
| Sale near school | Felony | Mandatory minimum sentences |
Driving Under the Influence
Driving under the influence of cannabis is prohibited under Conn. Gen. Stat. § 14-227a.
Connecticut uses a behavioral impairment standard. There is no per se THC limit, but law enforcement may test for impairment.
DUI Penalties:
- 1st offense: License suspension 45 days, IID required, potential jail up to 6 months, $500-1,000 fine
- 2nd offense: License suspension 45 days, 120 days jail (mandatory 48 hours), $1,000-4,000 fine
- 3rd offense: Felony, up to 3 years prison, $2,000-8,000 fine
Medical patients are NOT exempt from DUI laws.
Employment Rights
Under PUMA, medical marijuana patients have workplace protections:
- Employers cannot discriminate against registered patients solely for patient status
- Employers cannot refuse to hire based on medical marijuana patient status alone
- Employers may prohibit use/impairment during work hours
- Employers may maintain drug-free workplace policies for safety-sensitive positions
- Federal contractors may have different requirements
Adult-use consumers have LIMITED employment protections.
Dispensary Information
Connecticut operates a hybrid dispensary system serving both medical and adult-use consumers.
Finding a Dispensary:
- Use the DCP Licensed Retailers list
- Medical patients receive priority service
- Verify license status before purchasing
Social Equity Program
Connecticut's cannabis law includes significant social equity provisions:
- Social Equity Council reviews licenses
- Priority licensing for equity applicants
- 50% of licenses reserved for social equity applicants
- Community reinvestment from tax revenue
- Business assistance and training programs
- Record expungement for certain cannabis offenses
Local Regulations
Under RERACA, municipalities may:
- Opt out of adult-use retail sales via referendum
- Establish zoning requirements and buffer zones
- Collect 3% local tax on adult-use sales
- NOT prohibit personal possession or home cultivation
- NOT restrict medical marijuana access
Key Resources
- Connecticut Cannabis Portal: portal.ct.gov/cannabis
- Medical Marijuana Program: DCP Medical Marijuana
- Patient Registration: PUMA Patient Portal
- Social Equity Council: portal.ct.gov/cannabis
- Connecticut General Statutes: cga.ct.gov
- Licensed Retailers: Available on Cannabis Portal
Timeline of Legalization
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 2012 | PUMA enacted (medical marijuana) |
| 2012 | Possession under ½ oz decriminalized |
| June 22, 2021 | SB 1201 signed (adult-use legal) |
| July 1, 2021 | Personal possession legal (21+) |
| January 10, 2023 | Adult-use retail sales begin |
| July 1, 2023 | Home cultivation permitted |
| 2024 | Cannabis-infused beverage regulations enacted |
This information reflects Connecticut cannabis laws as of December 2025. Always consult official state sources and legal counsel for the most current requirements.