State lawmakers will hold a hearing today on a bill that would allow anyone over the age of 21 to buy marijuana from a retailer.
It would also allow residents to use it in a lounge and grow up to six marijuana plants for personal use.
Arguments in favor of legalizing recreational use include that it would raise revenue at a time the state is in a financial crisis.
"In Massachusetts, sales are going to be starting right over our border this July. Anyone who's 21 or older, even with a Connecticut license, is going to be able to purchase marijuana very soon and, also Vermont. They actually became the first state legislature to pass legalization, just in January, so we've got a lot of momentum behind us and I think the legislature's paying more attention," Sam Tracy, of the Connecticut Coalition to Regulate Marijuana, said.
Those against the proposal, including Gov. Dannel Malloy, say legalizing marijuana would be encouraging the use of marijuana.
State lawmakers have already decriminalized small amounts of the drug and have created programs that allow marijuana use for medical purposes.
The public hearing begins at 10 a.m. in Room 2C of the Legislative Office Building in Hartford. Anyone can voice an opinion during the hearing.
