General Law Committee Fails to Successfully Represent Connecticut Residents

What is the General Law Committee?

By now you may have heard the news, Raised House Bill – 5458:  An Act Concerning the Regulation of the Retail Sale of Marijuana failed to pass the General Law Committee in Connecticut (Motion Failed JF).  The Connecticut General Assembly website identifies, The General Law Committee has cognizance of all matters relating to the Department of Consumer Protection, fair trade and sales practices, consumer protection, mobile homes and occupational licensing, except licensing by the Department of Public Health; and all matters relating to alcoholic beverages.

Raised House Bill – 5458

During the Thursday (3/15/18) morning hearing for the Raised House Bill – 5458, the deplorable and lackluster display of leadership from Senator Kissel of the 7^th District and Representative Candelora of the 86^th General Assembly District was a perfect example of the type of representation which needs to be removed from the halls of the Legislative Office Building and the State Capitol. These two men bleed prohibition ideals and are standing in the way of progress and the moral reform of cannabis laws.

As the lies passed through Kissel’s lips that morning, the stench filled the room and agitated the occupants from corner to corner. At times, it was hard for attendees to fight back the gasps of disbelief while others tried not to laugh at the ignorance of the legislators on this committee.  To hear the motion failed 11-6 was astonishing.  No one wouldn’t have known there were 17 committee members, there were less than 10 representatives in attendance throughout the hearing.  So who are these people voting against this bill?

The Vote

The Fight Continues

There are two more Proposed House Bills slated to be presented to the General Law Committee.  The fight for legalization must continue, but how can we expect a different outcome?  The next bills to be discussed and addressed are PHB – 5111 and PHB – 5112.

PHB-5111             An Act Authorizing And Taxing The Retail Sale Of Marijuana.

PHB-5112             An Act Permitting And Taxing The Retail Sale Of Marijuana.

This committee is clearly not representing the state residents and is solely operating with their own opinions and agenda in mind.  The rhetoric and language they use is disparaging and unbecoming of the offices they hold.  We need to hold our legislators accountable for their actions. 71% of residents in Connecticut approve of cannabis legalization, this is not a minority stance.  You cannot avoid this movement.  The State Senators and Representatives who stand in the way of the will of the people need to be understand, they will be removed from the equation. Their political stance on cannabis was attempted and it failed miserably.  The war on drugs was total waste of resources, time, and effort.  It only destroyed our communities and turned people with addiction issues into criminals.  These political beliefs have been undeniably disproven.  Why should we give their opinions any credibility?  Do they not see they are committing political suicide?

As they say on the Chaz and AJ show on WPLR 99.1, “Gov’s gotta go!”  Let’s remember to send Senator Kissel and Representative Vincent Candelora a nice participation trophy when they empty out their offices as well. We all need to vote for change.  Keeping these men around is toxic to our legislative process.

While we attempt to make changes for cannabis reform, the General Law Committee is too busy trying to push legal sale of commercial fireworks and expanding the way people can purchase alcohol.  By the way, all of these bills passed committee.

RHB-5192             An Act Concerning Certain Alcoholic Beverage Machines.

RSB-307                An Act Concerning Alcoholic Liquor.

RSB-435                An Act Concerning The Sale And Use Of Consumer Grade Fireworks.

While I have no issue or stance on these raised bills, I think we should stop acting like cannabis is a real detriment to society.  These bills pose more of a threat to society than people using or growing a plant.  Not a single reported death has ever been proven to be caused by cannabis. Let your voice be heard.  These individuals need to hear from you.

Remember in November to use your vote responsibly.