Connecticut Bill to Update Cannabis Testing, Delivery Rules Scheduled for February 23 Public Hearing
- Senate Bill 231 proposes changes to Connecticut’s marijuana testing standards, requiring all cannabis establishments to submit samples to licensed testing labs and mandating disposal of failed batches after retesting or remediation efforts.
- The bill restricts cannabis delivery to licensed delivery services and authorized employees, while expanding delivery permissions to dispensaries, hybrid retailers, and micro-cultivators under certain conditions.
- Pharmacist requirements for hybrid retailers and dispensary facilities are modified, requiring a physical presence of at least eight consecutive hours weekly and permitting telehealth consultations and remote dispensing when pharmacists are off-site.
- The legislation also updates dealer registration rules for electronic nicotine delivery systems, including enhanced background checks and expanded grounds for registration denial or nonrenewal.
Connecticut Capitol Building.
Legislation that would make a series of changes to Connecticut’s marijuana testing standards, delivery rules, and hybrid retailer requirements has been scheduled for a public hearing on February 23 before the General Law Committee. Senate Bill 231 was introduced as a committee bill yesterday and immediately referred to the General Law Committee. The measure would require all cannabis establishments to submit marijuana and cannabis samples to licensed cannabis testing laboratories in accordance with laboratory testing standards established by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection. If a sample fails required testing, the establishment would have up to 30 days to either retest the batch or submit a remediation plan for approval and repeat testing. If the batch continues to fail or the establishment does not comply, the entire batch would need to be disposed of within a specified timeframe.
The bill also makes changes to who may deliver cannabis. It clarifies that only licensed delivery services and certain authorized employees may deliver to consumers, and expands delivery authority to dispensary facilities, hybrid retailers and micro-cultivators in specific circumstances.
In addition, the proposal modifies pharmacist requirements for hybrid retailers and dispensary facilities. Under the revised language, a licensed pharmacist must be physically present for at least eight consecutive hours per calendar week, and telehealth consultations and remote dispensing would be allowed when a pharmacist is not on-site, subject to Department of Consumer Protection policies and procedures.
Beyond cannabis-related provisions, the bill updates dealer registration rules for electronic nicotine delivery systems, including expanded background check requirements and additional grounds for denial or nonrenewal of a registration.
If approved by the committee following the February 23 hearing, the legislation would advance to the full Senate for further consideration.