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Cannabis Possession

Effective Date - 10/03/2025

1. Overview

Connecticut allows both medical and adult-use (recreational) cannabis under state law. Adults 21+ may possess limited amounts and, since July 1, 2023, can grow a small number of plants at home. Medical patients 18+ (and qualifying minors via caregivers) have separate rules. Federal law still prohibits cannabis; never transport it across state lines. Connecticut General Assembly+1

2. Key Points (At a Glance)

  • Adult-use (21+): You may carry up to 1.5 oz in public and store up to 5 oz in a locked container (home, locked glove box, or trunk). Connecticut General Assembly
  • Medical cannabis: Patients 18+ with qualifying conditions (and registered minor patients via caregivers) may use medical cannabis; monthly possession limits apply under the medical program. MPP
  • Minors & inhalables: Minor patients are prohibited from smoking, inhaling, or vaporizing medical marijuana. Dispensaries/caregivers may not provide smokable/inhalable forms to minors. Connecticut General Assembly+1
  • Home grow: Adults 21+ may cultivate up to 6 plants (max 3 mature + 3 immature). Households with multiple adults may grow up to 12 plants total, indoors and out of public view / secured from those under 21. CT.gov+1
  • Over the limit: Possessing more than 1.5 oz in public can trigger penalties; more than 5 oz outside a locked container also violates the law. NORML
  • No exporting: Moving cannabis across state lines is illegal, even if purchased legally in CT. Connecticut General Assembly
  • Driving: Driving under the influence of cannabis (DUI) is a criminal offense in Connecticut with the same penalties as alcohol DUI; there is no “legal THC limit.” CT.gov+1

4. Medical vs. Adult-Use Rules (Quick Reference)

  • Medical patients (18+): May purchase and possess within medical program limits; different product access and guidance apply. MPP
  • Minor patients (<18): Must have a registered caregiver and are barred from smokable/inhalable/vaporizable products. Dispensaries cannot dispense these forms to minors. Connecticut General Assembly

5. Product Types & Key Definitions

5.1 Cannabinoids

Naturally occurring compounds in cannabis that interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

  • THC: psychoactive; present as THCa in raw plant; heat (smoking/vaping/cooking) decarboxylates THCa into Δ9-THC (psychoactive).
  • CBD: generally non-intoxicating; present as CBDa in raw plant.
  • CBN: often a degradation product of THC.
    Cannabis products may be formulated with varying cannabinoid ratios to target different effects. Connecticut General Assembly

5.2 Terpenes

Aromatic compounds found in plants (including cannabis) that contribute to flavor and aroma (e.g., limonene—citrus; pinene—pine). Safety of inhaled terpenes remains an active research area. Connecticut eRegulations

5.3 Common Naming Conventions

“Indica”, “Sativa,” and “Hybrid” are marketing shorthand for typical effects; hemp is cannabis with ≤0.3% Δ9-THC by dry weight. Strain names often signal flavor/aroma more than guaranteed effects. Connecticut General Assembly

6. Inhalable Products (Adults only)

  • Flower (“buds”): Today’s market often ranges ~15–25% THC, with some >30%. Typically smoked or vaporized.
  • Concentrates: Extracts with ~40–90%+ THC (e.g., shatter, wax/budder, distillate, live resin, rosin, kief/hash).
  • Vaporizers: Devices that heat flower or concentrates to produce vapor.
  • Dabbing: Applying a small amount of concentrate to a heated surface (rig) for rapid, intense effects—not recommended for novices.
    Note: Minors in the medical program cannot use smokable/vaporizable forms. Connecticut General Assembly+1

7. Orally Consumed Products

  • Edibles & beverages: Onset often 30–120 minutes; effects can last 4–8+ hours. Start low and wait at least 2 hours before considering more.
  • Tinctures & capsules: Typically oral or sublingual; onset varies (minutes to 1–2 hours).
    Reminder: Do not consume in vehicles or public places. MPP

8. Topicals, Transdermals & Other Forms

  • Topicals: Creams, balms, lotions intended for localized application.
  • Transdermal patches and suppositories: Less common; specialized use cases. Connecticut eRegulations

9. Methods of Use & Safety Tips

  • Immediate vs delayed onset: Inhalation acts quickly; oral forms are delayed—avoid “stacking” doses.
  • Secure storage: Keep products locked and out of reach of anyone under 21 and pets.
  • No public use/no driving: Using in public or driving under the influence is illegal. CT.gov

10. Penalties & Enforcement (Selected)

  • Possession over the limit in public: Subject to penalties; thresholds differ for public carry vs. locked storage. NORML
  • DUI (cannabis): Treated the same as alcohol DUI—a criminal offense with arrest, potential license suspension, fines, and possible jail; CT does not use a per-se THC number. CT.gov+1

11. Compliance Notes for Visitors & Residents

  • Purchase from licensed CT retailers only.
  • Do not carry cannabis into airports or across state lines.
  • Home grow must be indoors, secured, and out of view.
  • Minor medical patients: Non-inhalable forms only; caregivers must follow DCP rules. CT.gov+1

12. Last Updated

October 3, 2025