Medical Marijuana Laws and Safety Regulations in Connecticut

Is Medical Marijuana Legal in Connecticut?

Yes, medical marijuana is legal in Connecticut. In 2012, the state passed legislation that legalized the medical use of marijuana for qualifying patients with certain debilitating medical conditions. Patients must register with the state Department of Consumer Protection in order to legally access medical marijuana.

What Are The Qualifying Conditions For Medical Marijuana in Connecticut?

In order to qualify for medical marijuana in Connecticut, a patient must have a medical condition that is on the list of approved qualifying conditions. The approved qualifying conditions are: cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, intractable spasticity, epilepsy, cachexia, wasting syndrome, Crohn’s disease, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and sickle cell disease. Additionally, any of the following conditions can qualify a patient for medical marijuana: severe psoriasis or psoriatic arthritis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), ulcerative colitis, hydrocephalus with intractable headache, neuropathic facial pain, complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), uncontrolled intractable seizure disorders, muscular dystrophy and any terminal illness accompanied by wasting syndrome or severe intractable pain.

How Do I Get A Medical Marijuana Card in Connecticut?

In order to obtain a medical marijuana card in Connecticut, you must first register with the Connecticut Medical Marijuana Program (CT-MMCP). To do this, you must be 18 years of age or older and provide your valid Connecticut driver’s license or state issued ID. You must also have a qualifying medical condition as listed on the CT-MMCP website. Once you have registered, you may then submit an application to the CT-MMCP. This includes providing documentation of your qualifying medical condition, as well as completing and submitting an application form. Upon approval, you will receive your medical marijuana card and be able to purchase and use medical marijuana legally in Connecticut.

What Is The Process For Applying For A Medical Marijuana Card in Connecticut?

1. Obtain a Recommendation from an Approved Physician – The first step in applying for a medical marijuana card in Connecticut is to receive a written recommendation from an approved physician. A physician must be licensed to practice medicine in the state of Connecticut, and must issue you with a written Certification authorizing you to use medical marijuana. You must have a qualifying condition as recognized by the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP).

2. Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card – The next step is to fill out an Application for Medical Marijuana Identification Card, which is available online through the DCP website. The form must be completed accurate and in its entirety, and it must include evidence of the qualifying condition from the recommending physician.

3. Visit an approved dispensary – Once you have submitted your application and received your card, you can now visit any of the approved dispensaries in Connecticut to purchase your medical marijuana. All dispensaries require proof of identification (such as a valid driver’s license or state ID card) and your valid Medical Marijuana Identification Card (MMIC) before you can purchase any cannabis products.

Where Can I Find A List Of Licensed Medical Marijuana Dispensaries in Connecticut?

The state of Connecticut does not make a list of licensed medical marijuana dispensaries available to the public. You can contact the Department of Consumer Protection at (860) 713-6050 for more information and to access a list of licensed medical marijuana dispensaries.

What Are The Possession Limits For Medical Marijuana in Connecticut?

The possession limits for medical marijuana in Connecticut are as follows:

* Patients can possess up to two and one-half (2.5) ounces of usable Medical Marijuana at any given time.
* Qualified patients or caregivers may possess up to four (4) mature plants and twelve (12) seedlings.

Can I Grow My Own Medical Marijuana in Connecticut?

No, it is not legal to grow medical marijuana in Connecticut. Only approved medical marijuana dispensaries are allowed to grow medical marijuana in Connecticut.

How Do Medical Marijuana Laws Affect Employment And Drug Testing in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, employers are allowed to test job applicants and employees for the presence of drugs, including marijuana, in the workplace. However, employers must provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals with disabilities who use medical marijuana in accordance with applicable state law. Additionally, employers are prohibited from refusing to hire applicants or discharging employees solely because they are certified medical marijuana users, unless failing to do so would put the employer at risk of federal prosecution or sanctions. Although employers may still require that employees not be impaired by marijuana while on the job, they must provide reasonable accommodation for an employee’s use of medical marijuana.

Are There Age Restrictions For Medical Marijuana Patients in Connecticut?

Yes. According to Connecticut law, individuals under the age of 18 must have a certificate from a physician who specializes in pediatric medicine and the consent of a parent or legal guardian in order to become eligible for the state’s medical marijuana program.

What Forms Of Medical Marijuana Are Available in Connecticut?

Connecticut offers four forms of medical marijuana available for purchase at state-licensed dispensaries. These forms include flower (dried marijuana buds), oils, capsules, and vapor cartridges. Patients may also qualify for home cultivation of up to nine plants with a valid registration ID card from the Department of Consumer Protection.

Are There Reciprocity Agreements For Out-Of-State Medical Marijuana Patients in Connecticut?

Yes. Connecticut has reciprocity agreements with other states, allowing medical marijuana patients from certain states to access medical marijuana from Connecticut dispensaries. Those states include: Arizona, Delaware, Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, and Rhode Island.

What Are The Penalties For Using Or Possessing Medical Marijuana Without A Card in Connecticut?

Under Connecticut state law, the possession and use of medical marijuana without a valid medical marijuana card is a crime. Possession of less than one-half ounce of marijuana without a valid card is a misdemeanor punishable by up to one year in prison and a fine of up to $1,000. Possession of more than one-half ounce is considered a felony, which is punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $3,000.

Can I Get A Medical Marijuana Card If I’M Not A Resident in Connecticut?

Unfortunately, no, you cannot get a medical marijuana card if you are not a resident of Connecticut. Only Connecticut residents with a qualifying condition may be eligible to receive medical marijuana through the state’s medical marijuana program.

What Is The Role Of Doctors In Recommending Medical Marijuana in Connecticut?

The role of doctors in recommending medical marijuana in Connecticut is to provide medical advice and treatment. Doctors must obtain a license from the state to be able to recommend medical marijuana. To qualify, individuals must have a debilitating medical condition that has been certified by a Connecticut-licensed physician, and they must obtain written certification from that same physician. The doctor must also assess the individual’s medical history and current condition to determine if marijuana would be an appropriate treatment. Patients must then apply for a registration certificate with the Department of Consumer Protection for approval.

Are There Restrictions On Where I Can Use Medical Marijuana in Connecticut?

Yes, there are restrictions on where medical marijuana can be used in Connecticut. Medical marijuana cannot be smoked or vaporized in any public places or anywhere where tobacco smoking is prohibited. Additionally, medical marijuana cannot be used on school grounds or in a vehicle. For specific regulations on using medical marijuana in Connecticut, consult your doctor or the state’s Department of Consumer Protection.

Can I Apply For A Medical Marijuana Card Online in Connecticut?

No, you cannot apply for a medical marijuana card online in Connecticut. You must visit a qualified physician and obtain a written certification to be eligible for the Connecticut Medical Marijuana Program.

What Are The Fees Associated With Obtaining A Medical Marijuana Card in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, the cost to apply for a medical marijuana card is $100. This fee is nonrefundable and covers the cost of processing the application. There may also be additional fees associated with obtaining a medical marijuana card, such as the cost of a doctor’s appointment and any related lab testing.

Do I Have To Notify My Employer If I Have A Medical Marijuana Card in Connecticut?

Yes. Under Connecticut law, you must notify your employer if you have a medical marijuana card and are using medical marijuana. The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection requires that employers be notified so that they can make sure no federal laws are being violated.

Can Medical Marijuana Patients Purchase Firearms in Connecticut?

No, medical marijuana patients in Connecticut are not allowed to purchase firearms. Federal law prohibits anyone who is an “unlawful user of or addicted to any controlled substance” from purchasing a firearm. As marijuana is still illegal under federal law, medical marijuana patients are considered to be unlawful users and are therefore ineligible to purchase firearms.

What Legal Protections Do Medical Marijuana Patients Have in Connecticut?

In Connecticut, medical marijuana patients are protected by a comprehensive state law. Under this law, qualified medical marijuana patients are allowed to possess up to 2.5 ounces of marijuana, cultivate up to 12 marijuana plants (up to 6 mature plants) with a physician’s authorization, and purchase medical marijuana from state-licensed dispensaries. Additionally, employers are not allowed to discriminate against employees based on their medical marijuana status. Furthermore, medical marijuana patients are protected from criminal prosecution under state law.