Understanding Connecticut’s Pending Hemp Legalization Act

HARTFORD, CT — Last month, lawmakers in Connecticut passed a little known bill without much fanfare or opposition to legalize the cultivation of industrial hemp in the state, but there seems to be a lot of confusion as to what the bill actually does.

That bill, House Bill 5780, awaits the signature of Governor Dannel Malloy, who has until the end of this week to sign or veto the bill, or it becomes law automatically.  Under Connecticut law, the Governor has five days to sign a bill into law, unless the legislature has adjourned for the session.  Because the Connecticut legislature adjourned on June 3, the Governor has 15 days, excluding Sundays, to sign or veto the bill.  The bill was transmitted to the Governor on June 18.

The bill, which makes a minor change to the definition…