Connecticut passes medical marijuana bill

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State Senators in Connecticut on Saturday voted to legalize marijuana for medical uses, creating a system of regulation that would license pharmacists to dispense marijuana only in special cases where doctors certify that it is needed.

The Senate voted 21 to 13 after a lengthy debate, and Gov. Dannel Malloy (D) is expected to sign the bill.

It will be the second significant reform of marijuana laws for Gov. Malloy, who last year approved a measure that decriminalized minor possession, adjusting the penalty for first offenses to a fine of just $150 and a mandating a drug education course for third-time offenders. The state’s Office of Fiscal Analysis noted at the time that it would add nearly $1.5 million to state coffers, with most coming from law enforcement savings and revenue collected from fines.

Connecticut is the 17th state to legalize medical marijuana.

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