Connecticut state budget chief Melissa McCaw says the governor wants to support a regional process for legalizing recreational marijuana.
McCaw says Governor Ned Lamont has set aside money to pave the way for the legalization of marijuana and that taxpayers should not expect any tax hikes.
“First I want to make it explicitly clear: Governor Lamont does not propose any broad-based tax rate increases in his midterm budget. We are providing resources, just under $300,000.”
McCaw says the money would help the state Department of Consumer Protection draft regulation proposals to present to the state legislature.
“To begin that process there is significant work that needs to be done to establish a regulatory framework.”
Funds would also help officials consider how to promote equity in the marijuana sector and how to expunge certain drug offenses.
McCaw says the only large proposed tax increase is on e-cigarettes.
The governor wants to deter nicotine use with a 50% wholesale tax on brands like Juul, so that they match taxes on traditional cigarettes.
