HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) – Connecticut’s adult use marijuana program is different from other states, mainly because of social equity.
This means a large chunk of profits goes to distressed communities.
We wanted to see how some of this money is making a difference.
Hartford’s youth get help with their homework, and a lot more at the Hartford City Mission.
Victor Rush is the executive director, and he says that this helps teach the kids.
150 kids are being helped at the moment, and the City Mission have a leadership program that helps them succeed in many professional careers.
“Young African American men want to be successful. And they see success as these sports figures that are signing these multi-million dollar contracts and see this has a quick road to it. What they don’t see is themselves sitting in a corporate board room,” continued Rush.
Programs like this need money, and they’re getting it.
$75,000 will provide more resources, and it is coming from the sale of marijuana.
“There are programs out there we can’t even imagine are happening and are having amazing impact on residents and youth and re-entry. And we want to give them an opportunity to show themselves,” said Ginnie-Rae Clay of the Social Equity Council.
The council was created to make sure marijuana profits go where it’s needed.
“I need 40 acres – we do true farming. So it’s impossible for me to go and now find 40 acres in Hartford or new haven, Waterbury or Bridgeport,” said Jason Teal, who is an applicant.
He’s growing marijuana in other states and has been approved to grow in Connecticut.
But there’s an issue: he has to grow in what’s called a disproportionately impacted area.
However, he needs farmland, which isn’t readily available in urban areas.
He supports legislation that will allow him to grow somewhere else.
Connecticut’s program is unique, with $40 million having been reinvested in communities so far.
For Rush, what he does is a labor of love.
“What drives me is I was them. Born and raised in the community, it was the boy scouts that kept me out of trouble,” he said.
Right now, there are 34 marijuana dispensaries.
While the state does get some of the profits, a large portion will help youth and families who need childcare, housing, and food.
H/T: WFSB
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