Erin Gorman Kirk, who was appointed to the newly created position earlier this year, is focusing her efforts on making Connecticut’s cannabis landscape more responsive to the needs of medical patients while also fostering a healthier, more equitable recreational market. The ombudsman’s office was created to serve as a liaison between patients, businesses, and regulators, aiming to identify problems and offer practical solutions to policymakers and industry stakeholders.
Medical marijuana use in Connecticut has dropped significantly since the legalization of adult-use cannabis in 2023. Patient numbers have fallen from around 50,000 to under 37,000, and monthly medical cannabis sales have decreased by nearly half over the same period. Many patients have cited fewer product options, a shift in producer priorities toward recreational consumers, and confusion over labeling as contributing factors.
Kirk, herself a registered medical cannabis patient, said she has heard directly from others who feel the medical system has become harder to navigate. She’s collecting that feedback and using it to push for changes—such as improved labeling, better price transparency, and clearer dosing information. While the ombudsman role doesn’t carry regulatory power, Kirk emphasized the importance of collaboration and communication across all levels of the industry.
Meanwhile, some state lawmakers have introduced legislation to strengthen the medical program. Proposals include expanding the caregiver system, increasing grow rights for patients, adding more qualifying conditions, and improving protections for veterans and those with trauma-related disorders.
At the same time, the state’s Department of Consumer Protection recently created a dedicated Cannabis Division to provide more focused oversight. This move followed industry complaints and criticism over how cannabis businesses were being regulated, including allegations of retaliatory inspections.
Together, these efforts reflect a broader push to rebalance Connecticut’s cannabis market. As demand shifts and the industry evolves, state officials and advocates alike are working to ensure that medical users are not left behind—and that Connecticut remains competitive in a fast-growing national market.
Dabbin-Dad Newsroom
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