Not everyone is a fan of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy’s fiscal policies, as one think tank recenly gave the governor a flunking grade in that category. When it comes to Malloy’s policies on marijuana, Rolling Stone Magazine gave ample praise.
Malloy was named in a top-ten list of pro-marijuana politicians, joining U.S. Rep. Barney Frank of Massachusetts, Vermont Gov. Peter Shumlin and former presidential candidate U.S. Rep. Ron Paul of Texas.
Last year, Connecticut's governor signed a marijuana decriminalization bill into law. Instead of facing a $1,000 fine and possible jail time, marijuana offenders now must pay $150 for their first offense and between $200 and $500 for subsequent violations. This spring, Malloy also signed a new law making Connecticut the country's 17th state to legalize medical marijuana. (As his opponents often point out, Connecticut's governor has a personal stake in marijuana policy reform: His son, now in his twenties, has had multiple legal run-ins allegedly involving marijuana.)
Malloy signed the medical marijuana bill into law in June, and it just went into effect on Oct. 1.
“With careful regulation and safeguards, this law will allow a doctor and a patient to decide what is in that patient’s best interest,” Malloy said after passing the bill.
