If you haven't noticed Connecticut being outpaced by neighboring states when it comes to fully legalized marijuana, there may be pot proponents out there who'll wonder what you've been smoking. While a Nutmeg State-sanctioned medical marijuana program has been up and running for years, many government leaders have been slow to let go of a social stigma that has hindered efforts to legalize sales for recreational use.

But Hartford city councilor and defense attorney Tiana Hercules is out to change that, and she has friends in high places.