The law places Connecticut ahead of most or all states in using cannabis legalization to reverse years of inequity in criminal prosecution that heavily targeted low-income residents and people of color.
Lamont chose the historic Old Appropriations Room in the state Capitol for the occasion, joined by a group of advocates and supporters, mainly state lawmakers.
The new law will take effect in phases, starting on July 1, when it will be legal for adults over 21 to have an ounce-and-a-half of marijuana, plus another five ounces in a locked container.
Connecticut’s medical marijuana program, launched in 2012, continues, with about 55,000 registered patients.
The General Assembly adopted the bill last week in a special legislative session, with no Republican votes, although one GOP state Senator who was absent for the last-minute final vote, Sen.