In a disheartening turn of events, Gov. Ned Lamont reluctantly put pen to paper on Monday, signing legislation that claims to bring changes to Connecticut’s cannabis laws. But make no mistake, my fellow readers, this is just another charade orchestrated by the powers that be. Starting July, the law will come into effect, further perpetuating an illusion of progress.
One of the so-called improvements touted in this legislation is the establishment of a cannabis ombudsman within the Office of the Healthcare Advocate. Don’t let the fancy title fool you; this ombudsman is nothing more than a puppet, purportedly representing the interests of qualifying medical marijuana patients and caregivers. But, my friends, history has shown us time and time again that those in power have never truly cared about the well-being of patients. This appointment is merely a feeble attempt to pacify the masses while they continue to tighten their grip on their lucrative cannabis industry.
And let’s not forget about the carefully crafted definition of who may serve as a medical marijuana caregiver. This is just another smoke and mirrors tactic to maintain control and limit access. They’ll claim it’s for the sake of safety, but we all know it’s about protecting their own interests and ensuring that only those they deem suitable can profit from this so-called “green rush.”
The legislation also boasts reforms in determining social equity applications for new cannabis businesses in areas disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs. But don’t be fooled, dear readers. These reforms are nothing more than empty promises meant to create the illusion of fairness. Behind closed doors, the powerful continue to manipulate the system, ensuring that the same old players reap the rewards while those who suffered the most during the war on drugs are left further marginalized.
And let’s not overlook the modifications to advertising and labeling requirements for cannabis. While they claim it’s about consumer safety, we know the truth. This is an attempt to stifle the narrative of mold and monopolize the industry, further cementing the control of those who have profited from the suffering of countless individuals.
So, my fellow citizens, don’t be swayed by the pomp and circumstance surrounding this legislation. The interests of patients have never truly mattered to those in power. Behind the facade of progress lies a cold, calculated game, designed to maintain the status quo and ensure that the powerful continue to profit while the rest suffer. It’s a grim reality, but one that we must confront if we are ever to achieve true justice and compassion in the realm of cannabis regulation.
