Eastern Connecticut Store Among New CT Retail Cannabis Locations

WILLIMANTIC, CT — The first legal retail sales in Connecticut of adult-use cannabis to all adults aged 21 and older began Tuesday morning at several retailers that have been licensed to sell the products, including one in Willimantic.

Fine Fettle, located at 1548 West Main St., is one of the licensed retailers permitted to begin selling cannabis products at 10 a.m. Tuesday. The shop is located near some landmarks — a car dealership, Papa's Pizza and the state Department of Motor Vehicles. The store even takes online orders, according to the greeting that answers calls.

The opening of the adult-use cannabis market in Connecticut marks what Gov. Ned Lamont called, "the start of an expanded cannabis industry that prioritizes the safe and equitable regulation of adult-use cannabis, as well as the preservation of the medical marijuana market, which continues to serve nearly 50,000 patients in the state."

The law implementing the measures was signed by Governor Lamont in 2021.

Lamont said the new industry is expected to bring "hundreds of new, good-paying jobs" to Connecticut as businesses continue to open and expand, including work in production and jobs directly handling cannabis products, as well as industry support like technical jobs, administrative and information technology positions, and security.

Lamont said the law takes a comprehensive approach to promoting social equity, focused on the neighborhoods "most impacted by the war on drugs." It provides for expungement of past cannabis-related crimes and reserves half of all cannabis business licenses for people from impacted neighborhoods.

In addition, more than half of the revenue from cannabis sales will be dedicated to a new fund that will be invested in those neighborhoods, the governor said.

"Today marks a turning point in the injustices caused by the war on drugs, most notably now that there is a legal alternative to the dangerous, unregulated, underground market for cannabis sales," Lamont said. "Together with our partners in the legislature and our team of professionals at the Department of Consumer Protection, we've carefully crafted a securely regulated market that prioritizes public health, public safety, social justice, and equity. I look forward to continuing our efforts to ensure that this industry remains inclusive and safe as it develops."

Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz said, "An old conviction for a low-level cannabis possession shouldn’t hold someone back from pursuing their career, housing, professional, and educational aspirations. Governor Lamont and I welcome this change to help people regain their freedom and the opportunity to pursue the careers and jobs they rightfully deserve."

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection has overseen the regulation of the adult-use cannabis market in the state, ensuring that it prioritizes public health and safety.