hewhi NedGCIntroduction: We are a committed grassroots organization advocating for fair cannabis practices in Connecticut .
Today, we reach out to you, echoing the concerns of numerous community members throughout Connecticut regarding recent actions taken against cannabis cultivation on private properties.
We Have Concerns Over Current Enforcement Tactics For Non Violent Cannabis Crimes In Connecticut: It has come to our attention that considerable state and federal resources, including Massachusetts National Guard Helicopters and State Police, are being employed to locate and confiscate minimal amounts of cannabis from residents’ properties. Such measures, which border on intimidation and discrimination, are not only disproportionate but also infringe upon the civil liberties of Connecticut residents engaging in the personal cultivation of cannabis for personal consumption.
Case in Point: A Patient’s Plight: A recent incident highlights the severity of this issue. A Connecticut patient, legally cultivating cannabis at his home for personal medical use, faced a harrowing ordeal. Police officers arrived unannounced, conducted a search, and he was subsequently arrested and charged with a felony. This charge was based solely on the quantity of cannabis, with no evidence suggesting illegal sale. This patient, like many others, relies on cannabis to manage severe medical conditions and often finds dispensaries inadequate in meeting these needs.
Call for Action and Change We urge an immediate halt to these aggressive and unnecessary enforcement actions. It is time to prioritize the real needs and voices of our communities. We call for the redirection of resources towards more pressing community concerns and for increased efforts to destigmatize cannabis use.
Need for Investigation and Audit The actions of our state, post-legalization of medical and adult-use cannabis, warrant an unbiased investigation and audit of the state agencies involved in the implementation, oversight, funding, regulation, and enforcement of cannabis laws.
Closing Appeal We ask the Governor Ned Lamont, Attorney General William Tong and Commissioner of the CT Department of Consumer Protection Bryan Cafferelli listen to our concerns earnestly and to respond promptly and appropriately.
We urge them to prioritize the well-being of Connecticut’s residents over protection of the profits to be made from the states regulated market . It is crucial to acknowledge the historical significance of this plant, preserved through the efforts of those who faced prohibition, ensuring its availability for this and future generations.
We look forward to your commitment to these issues and to seeing positive change in our state’s approach to cannabis cultivation and use.