Connecticut, like many states in the US, has been grappling with the issue of cannabis legalization for several years. In 2021, the state finally legalized recreational cannabis use for adults, which was seen as a major step forward for supporters of cannabis reform.
However, while the state’s legalization of cannabis is being celebrated by many, there are concerns that the government is prioritizing the cannabis industry over the patients who rely on cannabis for medical purposes.
Connecticut’s medical cannabis program has been in place since 2012, and currently serves more than 50,000 patients. These patients rely on cannabis to manage a wide range of medical conditions, including chronic pain, PTSD, and cancer-related symptoms. For these patients, cannabis is not a recreational drug, but a vital part of their medical care.
Despite this, the state government has been criticized for neglecting the needs of medical cannabis patients in favor of the more lucrative recreational market. In particular, patients and advocates are concerned about the shortage of medical cannabis products, the high prices of medical cannabis, and the lack of access to dispensaries in some areas.
According to an article in the Hartford Courant, some medical cannabis patients are struggling to find the products they need, as many dispensaries are now prioritizing the recreational market. Patients also report that prices have gone up since the legalization of recreational cannabis, making it even harder for them to afford the medicine they need.
In addition to these issues, some patients in rural areas of the state are struggling to access dispensaries at all. This is because the state has not yet approved licenses for new dispensaries, despite a growing demand for medical cannabis in these areas.
Many patients and advocates feel that the state government has prioritized the cannabis industry over the needs of patients, and that this is unacceptable. They argue that the state has a responsibility to ensure that medical cannabis patients have access to the medicine they need, and that this should be a top priority.
As Connecticut’s cannabis industry continues to grow, it is important that the state government does not forget the patients who helped pave the way for legalization. By prioritizing the needs of medical cannabis patients, the state can ensure that the benefits of legalization are shared by all, not just a privileged few.
Does CT Put The Industry Ahead The Patients?
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