Connecticut Bill Aims To Create A Cannabis Ombudsman For Patient Welfare

In Connecticut, where adult-use cannabis sales began in January, some medical marijuana patients are expressing concerns about the availability of cannabis products in the incipient market.

“The oversight we have had so far has largely not been in service to patients, they do not have a voice in their own program,” said Lou Rinaldi, a medical cannabis patient advocate, per NBC CT.

Meanwhile, the opening of a cannabis dispensary in Canton sparked debate and discussion among locals who recently came together to voice their concerns at a Zoning and Planning Commission meeting.

A Bill To Protect MMJ Patients

Following this activity, House Majority Leader Jason Rojas introduced a bill that would create a cannabis ombudsman in the state to improve quality and safety for MMJ patients. “We thought creating a person that can serve as go-between patients and the department might be the appropriate person,” Rojas said.

Included in a separate bill, the measure will be heard by the General Law Committed during a public hearing on Thursday. Rojas added that after the public hearing, he will have an opportunity “to revise the language to more accurately reflect what the intent is and also reflect what we might hear during the public meeting.”

Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle Seagull, aware of patient concerns, said the department is monitoring information in the seed-to-sale tracking system as well as complaints, medical preservation plans and is communicating with growers as necessary.

"We look forward to working with the legislature and others on finding ways to further ensure that patient input remains at the forefront of Connecticut’s cannabis program," Seagull said in a statement.

In related news, on the eve of the legal launch of marijuana, Governor Ned Lamont (D) introduced automatic expungement technology ("Clean Slate and Cannabis Erasure" online portal) that would allow thousands of Connecticut residents convicted of cannabis possession to delete their records.

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Image Credits: Underworld by Shutterstock and jimarojfm by Pixabay Edited By Benzinga