Legislation that could lay the groundwork for legalized recreational marijuana in Connecticut has cleared its first hurdle.
The General Law Committee voted 10-8 on Monday in favor of a bill that spells out many details of a proposed legalized system for adults. It's one of several bills up for debate this session aimed at legalizing pot.
Democratic Rep. Michael D'Agostino of Hamden, the committee's co-chairman, says eventually all the pieces will be included in one comprehensive bill.
Opponents are voicing concern about the possibility of increased driving fatalities and increased drug use among teens at a time when their brains are developing.
But proponents say the bill attempts to address past racial disparities in drug arrests. It gives preference to applicants of cannabis establishments in communities with high arrest rates.
