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4 ■ JUNE 28, 2021 NEWS

■ From ‘A BOON’ on PAGE 1 with via regulations,” Paindiris
“I expect to see a lot of lawyers said. “They will also be needed
going to seminars to get up to to help someone apply for a can-
speed with the application busi- Three Connecticut nabis license.”
ness end.” attorneys discuss the The need for attorneys is similar
Hartford solo practitioner ramifications for fellow to post-Prohibition, Paindiris said.
DeVaughn Ward, also a senior attorneys of marijuana “There will be a boon for attor-
legislative counsel for the Mari- neys, no doubt. It’s a no-brainer.
juana Policy Project, which law now that the state It’s similar to after Prohibition.
advocates for governments to Legislature has approved It’s a new industry and that will
tax and regulate marijuana in a recreational marijuana, a mean a new group of lawyers
manner similar to alcohol, said: bill Gov. Ned Lamont said who specialize in that space,” Pa-
“It will be a billion-dollar indus- he’d sign. indiris said. “Those new lawyers
try within a decade here in the in that cannabis space will deal
state. I can see many more attor- mostly with transactions, but
neys getting involved.” also there is work in litigation.
Aaron Romano, a Bloomfield The transaction side is someone
solo practitioner, is the legal counsel for the pro- who wants a marijuana license.”
marijuana group NORML and is also a hemp The new law also creates a 15-member Social
farmer. Equity Council that will give state lawmakers rec-
“On the surface level, there will be more need for ommendations for ensuring urban communities
attorneys doing commercial work related to canna- and individuals harmed by the marijuana prohibi-
bis,” Romano said Friday. “But any attorney that will tion are able to participate in the new industry.
comprehensively serve their clients needs must know “Applications for licenses will be done through
about cannabis on a deeper level. They need to get a lottery and the Department of Consumer Pro-
some hands-on experience with cannabis and know tection will decide how many people get it,”
how it’s grown, distributed and processed to serve Paindiris said. “Fifty percent will be for equity
your client better.” considerations, mostly in urban areas, and 50%
The new law allows adults ages 21 and older to for the general public. There will be a lot of work
use and possess marijuana, beginning July 1 in the in the application process and that is where attor-
state. The final bill, which is 295 pages, would also neys come in.”
erase the record of some people convicted on cer- A 2020 Marijuana Policy Project study estimated
tain types of drug possession charges between Jan. Connecticut could generate upward of $952 million
1, 2000, and Oct. 1, 2015. in new state tax revenue over six years. ■
Paindiris said there will be no shortage of work
for attorneys. Robert Storace covers legal trends, lawsuits and
“Every law creates a lot of issues and work. analysis for the Connecticut Law Tribune. Follow
There will be opportunities with employment is- him on Twitter @RobertSCTLaw or reach him at
sues and litigation lawyers will have a lot to deal 203-437-5950.

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