As everyone knows, there was a push for legal cannabis in Connecticut. It wasn’t just for patients, or recreational smokers, but to benefit everyone. Changing the laws would benefit consumers and the tax revenue would be beneficial for every and all citizens of the state. A lot of people understand Connecticut is stuck in a tough economic deficit right now and they are “actively searching for solutions”. Unfortunately the bills did not pass committee, but hopefully the people in power will have an understanding that legal cannabis is something on the agenda of Connecticut citizens.
A big problem with the bill not passing was the grow rights amendment. There are many conditions on the list of qualifying conditions that realistically are treated with more than two and a half ounces per month. By not allowing these patients to grow their own medicine at home with ease, you’re essentially turning these people into criminals in the eyes of the law. Stuff like F.E.C.O. (Full Extract Cannabis Oil) and my favorite form of concentrates (dabs) take A LOT of flower product to make. There should be no reason that the one legal place you’re allowed to get your medicine doubles the price of the black market. Plus there is very limited availability on the strains, due to the fact, so many patients are all “fighting” for the same few. Imagine searching and searching to find something that works, you get it once and have fantastic results, not to have it be seen again for months. That type of stuff is very disheartening, let alone expensive to find another.
Let’s mention all the recent discrepancies with the growers. There is no good reason for mites on meds for sick patients (will not mention the producer). It really makes me think that the current model in place for the medical program doesn’t really have any “compassion” for the patient involved. There needs to be more than four growers available in Connecticut for patients to purchase their medicine. A major reason the programs on the west coast work is the existence of patient collectives and caregivers (not dispensaries). They actually understand and know their patients and not just for their money. It is absolutely baffling that, in the state program, patients are now allowed to share medicine (all-natural, safe, non-toxic meds). I understand its based on a pharmaceutical model, but for low income patients insurance would normally cover their cost, unfortunately most insurances will not touch a schedule one substance.
The rejection of the bill was a huge blow to the local economy. Connecticut has been in debt for awhile now and they are coming up with all types of crazy solutions: like more ar and property taxes, trying to reinstate tolls..etc. The answer we are looking for is right in front of our eyes. Although I will agree, the legalization of cannabis is not the be all end all solution for economic growth, it truly is a huge step in the right direction! We have seen tolls don’t work; how many times can people say they are displeased with the way things are going before change happens?
Cannabis has truly been beneficial to me in regards to pain management and has allowed me to drastically reduce the amount of other medication needed to combat my spinal issues. I’d much prefer to grow my own medicine at home with my preferred availability of strains, instead of just hoping my dispensary will have what I need when I happen to need it. I sent in testimony to be considered for the bill, I wasn’t able to be there, but at least I was able to make my voice heard in some capacity. If you haven’t let your local government know you want legal cannabis now, its about time you start!
-Tha Red Baron
