Medical marijuana among host of new Conn. laws

HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Connecticut patients suffering from certain debilitating medical conditions will soon be able to apply to receive medical marijuana.

Starting Monday, the state Department of Consumer Protection will have an application available online. To qualify, a patient must at least 18 years old and a state resident. A physician must initiate the registration process and certify their patient meets the medical prerequisites.

This is one of the first steps toward creating a system for distributing medical marijuana. The agency has until July 1 to submit new regulations to the General Assembly on how the drug will be dispensed.

Other new laws also take effect on Monday, including one that would make it a specific crime to place an advertisement for sex that includes a depiction of a minor.