Group calls for increased transparency, education, and psilocybin decriminalization
While some of us were partying on 4/20 (not that there’s anything wrong with that), it’s worth noting that a few cannabis advocates were out doing the hard work as well.
Down in Connecticut, the CannaWarriors held a “Free Our People” demonstration outside of the state capitol building in Hartford to “amplify our messages to State Governor Ned Lamont, Attorney General William Tong, State Representatives and Senators of Connecticut,” and “the general public.”
The group’s list of demands will look familiar to anyone who has wrestled with cannabis regulations in Mass:
- Calling HB6787 to a vote in the House of Representatives immediately and retroactively to facilitate sentence modifications and the release of all non-violent cannabis offenders incarcerated in the state of Connecticut ; regardless of intent or quantity.
- Ending the use of state and federal resources to intimidate, investigate or otherwise discriminate against or infringe upon the civil rights of Connecticut residents cultivating and/or sharing cannabis, recognizing that legal means the end of enforcement actions against citizens at every level.
- Outdoor Homegrow, Co-operative Grows and Caregiver language expansion to include the ability for caregivers to cultivate cannabis for another patient and receive reasonable compensation.
- Increased Plant Count, and increased maximum possession amounts for Medical Patients.
- Calling HB6734 to a vote in the House of Representatives to decriminalize small amounts of psilocybin.
- Increased outreach efforts by the state to destigmatize cannabis and educate state agencies,Departments and Law Enforcement agencies.
- Greater transparency in all levels of cannabis testing including ease of access to testing facilities and education for the public.
- A fair and unbiased investigation into all state agencies involved in cannabis in Connecticut.
- A commitment from the State of Connecticut to work with the legacy operators and cannabis caregiver community to provide a fair equitable and safe transition to the legal market regardless of business size.
- The establishment of a community led coalition to help safeguard everyone in Connecticut from regulatory capture and other predatory practices by large multi state operators/corporations.
- Implementation of regulation to use cannabis as an option for Harm Reduction in an effort to help end the opioid epidemic our state is currently facing.
“CT CannaWarriors implore Connecticut state leaders and lawmakers to hear these rally cries and take serious action now to uplift our community and free our people from the tyranny of cannabis prohibition once and for all!” the group wrote in a statement. “We hope that these concerns are taken seriously and met with a swift rational response in a reasonable amount of time followed by. a sincere commitment to help us, help the Connecticut cannabis community.”
