Now that Cannabis will be legal in Connecticut for recreational purposes, everyone is asking “Where can I toke?”. Just like smoking cigarettes or drinking alcohol, smoking cannabis wouldn’t be allowed in certain places. But where can you go?
It’s a valid question. Especially considering the change in the landscape that’s coming. Does it mean I have to be at home with the lights off, in the bedroom, in a corner, and under a blanket with the house surrounded by scented candles? No. Thankfully even though this is what might be expected, it’s not. Even though it’s not THAT dramatic, there are stipulations.
Can you toke in your car?
No. In fact it is intended to treat this in the same fashion as drinking and driving. Connecticut is implementing new training to police officers to identify if someone is high. The state of Connecticut will also be training drug recognition experts for courtroom testimony. However, the driver may be in possession of up to 1.5 ounces of “plant material” or the equivalent in alternative forms such as concentrates and edibles. In addition, you can have up to 5 ounces in a locked glove compartment or in the trunk of your car. So don’t do it in the car. Get to where you’re going first before consumption. But on a side note, the smell of cannabis is no longer grounds for probable cause.
What if I’m just a passenger? Can I toke in the car?
No. One cannot combustibly consume cannabis in any vehicle that is operating on a public road. Even as a passenger.
Just to define:
A public road is any street, highway, or parking lot with more than 10 spaces.
So if one is choosing to consume cannabis in a motor vehicle, it should be parked at a residence and definately not going anywhere.
What if I’m out to dinner? Or at a bar? Or out for a night of bowling? Is it okay there? I can smoke outside of those places now…
With the legalization of cannabis, also included a legal definition of smoking. Rules will/do apply and will more than likely change as time progresses. The law describes smoking as a lit cigarette, cigar, pipe or device that contains cannabis, hemp and/or tobacco. So, it’s all been lumped into one category now. Any type of smoking will be limited to designated areas which will need to be 25ft away from any open door or window. Each establishment will have their own rules, much like they do now.
What if I’m just sitting on my porch with some friends, but I happen to be in view of the public?
Yes. That goes for your friend’s porch too. My porch, your porch… Just go with the house rule.
What if I’m just walking down the street? Can I toke and take a stroll?
Public parks and waterways are prohibited. Possible fines of $250 could be given to those caught violating the laws in those areas. In addition the 25ft rule would apply to any shopping outlet, so a stroll downtown or at a park will be out of the question. As for a walk through residential areas… That part of the law is kind of open as the new law gives cities and towns flexibility to determine where smoking will be allowed.
Those are the rules of public consumption in a nut shell. These guidelines aren’t much different from rules in other states that have legalized. The rules are much the same as public consumption of alcohol. You don’t drive while drinking, you don’t walk around downtown drinking alcohol (unless it’s Bourbon St.), and drinking alcohol is generally prohibited in state parks. It’s all the same. Just don’t be stupid and don’t act like you own the place. Unless of course… You own the place.
P.S.
This is for people 21 and over.
