Located in New London County in the southeast corner of Connecticut, Stonington is the New England coastal town of your dreams. Voted one of the “Top 10 Prettiest Coastal Towns In New England” by Yankee Magazine, this town has tons of beaches, seaside homes, eclectic shops and incredible dining. First, visit the Mystic Seaport Museum featuring a collection of sailing ships and boats and a replica of a 19th-century sea village. You’ll learn so much about Stonington’s history and culture. Next, stop by the Mystic Aquarium to check out some of the whales, sea lions, penguins and more to liven your day. After working up an appetite, grab a bite to eat at Dog Watch Cafe featuring fresh, local seafood and tons of other tasty eats. Stonington has tons of ways to get outdoors with hiking trails, beaches and more! Have a beach day at Water Hill Beach or explore wildlife at Barn Island Wildlife Management Area. Finally, end your night with a wine tasting at Jonathon Edwards Winery for delicious wine with a relaxing view. 

Like many states in the U.S., Connecticut legalized medical marijuana but only decriminalized recreational marijuana. Of course, while we’re hoping for legalization soon — it takes time. Back in 2011, Connecticut first decriminalized possession of a half-ounce or less of cannabis to include no jail time and a fine of $150 for the first offense and $500 for the second. Possession of more than one-half ounce is a misdemeanor with a fine of up to $2000 and one year in jail. Later in 2012, Connecticut legalized medical marijuana which allows patients to possess up to a one-month supply of marijuana, as prescribed by a physician. Qualifying conditions include: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Cachexia, Cancer, Cerebral Palsy, chronic neuropathic pain associated with degenerative spinal disorders, chronic pain of at least 6 months duration associated with a specified underlying chronic condition refractory to other treatment intervention, chronic pancreatitis (subject to approval by the legislature’s Regulations Review Committee), complex regional pain syndrome, Crohn’s disease, Cystic Fibrosis, Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, Epilepsy, Glaucoma, Hydrocephalus with intractable headache, HIV or AIDS, Interstitial cystitis, Intractable headache syndromes, Intractable neuropathic pain that is unresponsive to standard medical treatments, Intractable spasticity, Irreversible Spinal Cord Injury with Objective Neurological Indication of Intractable Spasticity, medial arcuate ligament syndrome (MALS syndrome), Multiple Sclerosis, Muscular dystrophy, Neuropathic facial pain, Osteogenesis imperfecta, Parkinson’s Disease, post herpetic neuralgia, post-surgical back pain with a condition called chronic radiculopathy, post laminectomy syndrome, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), severe psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, severe rheumatoid arthritis, Sickle Cell Disease, Spasticity, Spasticity or Neuropathic Pain Associated with Fibromyalgia, Terminal Illness Requiring End-Of-Life Care, Tourette syndrome, Ulcerative colitis, Uncontrolled Intractable Seizure Disorder, Vulvodynia and vulvar burning, Wasting syndrome or any other medical conditions approved by the Department of Consumer Protection. Hopefully, 2021 is the year that Connecticut lawmakers can legalize recreational marijuana in the state. 

Stonington Resources:

• https://www.visitconnecticut.com/state/marijuana-in-connecticut/ 
• https://www.cga.ct.gov/2012/ACT/Pa/pdf/2012PA-00055-R00HB-05389-PA.pdf