Former GOP Senator Once Opposed Cannabis Legalization, Now He's Funding Cultivation

Former Republican Senator Art Linears openly opposed marijuana reform when he was in office.

Now, he is funding weed cultivation.

What Happened: Linares, who previously voted no on Connecticut's cannabis legalization, said in 2016 that it can be "harmful" to brain development and desensitize youth, reported CT Insider.

"Because science will tell us that it can harm their ability to do well in school, their ability to perform in athletics, their ability to be a good friend, to be a good son, daughter to their family," he said.

What Now: Linares, who owns Linares Land Capital LLC and is a principal and manager in Linares Faye LLC, is helping to fund a marijuana cultivation operation that has obtained a license through the state’s Social Equity Council.

“Over time, my views have evolved with the changing landscape and research regarding medical and recreational cannabis,” Linares said. “I discovered that cannabis wasn’t the problem, rather it was a solution for some problems. For example, cannabis products help people address anxiety, insomnia and can provide a sense of well-being.” 

“My interest in promoting the benefits of cannabis and investing back into the community led me to pursue this business venture. Society’s views changed and so have mine,” he added. 

Since Linares withdrew himself from public service, he is now eligible to be involved in marijuana businesses. 

Pause On Connecticut Cannabis Licensing

Meanwhile, the Nutmeg State is pausing cannabis lotteries until the end of this legislative session, writes CT Insider.

“At this time, a second lottery round has not been scheduled as the legislature continues to consider potential changes to the lottery process and social equity criteria,” said Department of Consumer Protection spokesperson Kaitlyn Krasselt. “Any statutory changes will be incorporated into the lottery process before the department conducting a second lottery round. Once a future lottery is scheduled, the details will be announced by the Department of Consumer Protection.”

Democratic Representative Jason Rojas, a key contributor to the adult-use cannabis bill in the state, expects legislation "to change in the next month or two."

"The last thing they’d want to do is go out with something that is then going to potentially impact the status of an applicant," Rojas added.

So far, Connecticut has issued 35 retail licenses for adult-use cannabis. There are currently 13 operational recreational dispensaries in the state. 

Photo: Benzinga edit with images by Gage Skidmore (via Wikimedia Commons) and Shutterstock