Connecticut Becomes 17th State to Legalize Medical Marijuana
On Friday, Connecticut became the 17th state in the United States to legalize the use of marijuana for medical purposes.
Connecticut Governor Dannel Malloy signed into law legislation legalizing medical marijuana. With the new law, licensed physicians may now certify the use of marijuana for medical purposes by adult patients. It, however, places restrictions that will prevent the abuse experienced by other states that have already legalized medical marijuana.
The new Connecticut law requires patients and their caregivers to register with the Department of Consumer Protection. There is also a need for a medical doctor to certify that there is a medical need for marijuana, and patients will need a doctor’s prescription for a month’s supply of the drug. Only a pharmacist who possesses a special license can dispense medical marijuana, and only licensed, in-state producers can cultivate marijuana.
The following medical conditions may merit the use of medical pot: cancer, glaucoma, HIV, AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis and epilepsy.
Governor Malloy shared: “For years, we’ve heard from so many patients with chronic diseases who undergo treatments like chemotherapy or radiation and are denied the palliative benefits that medical marijuana would provide… With careful regulation and safeguards, this law will allow a doctor and a patient to decide what is in that patient’s best interest.”
Those who are against the legalization of medical marijuana in the state continue to argue, however, that such a move may lead to more recreational use, and may lead to full legalization in the future.
Connecticut’s medical marijuana law passed the House of Representatives 96 to 51, and the Senate 21 to 13.
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