Connecticut Legislature Sends Cannabis Bill Expanding Medical Access and Revising Hemp Rules to Governor
- The Connecticut legislature sent House Bill 5350 to Governor Ned Lamont, aiming to expand medical marijuana access, update hemp laws, and regulate infused cannabis beverages.
- The bill allows qualifying out-of-state medical marijuana patients and caregivers to participate in Connecticut’s palliative cannabis program, broadening patient access.
- Key provisions include new rules for infused beverage sales, labeling, on-premises consumption endorsements, out-of-state lab testing, and revised definitions around cannabis and hemp products.
- Additional measures establish a cannabis regulatory working group, revise enforcement and licensing rules, and set standards for edible serving sizes, packaging, consumer safety, and dispensary operations.
Connecticut lawmakers have sent Governor Ned Lamont a wide-ranging cannabis bill that would expand access to the state’s medical marijuana program, revise portions of its hemp laws and create new rules for infused beverages.
House BIll 5350 was transmitted to Lamont today after the House concurred with Senate changes, clearing the final legislative hurdle for the measure. Under Connecticut law, Lamont has 15 days after receiving the bill to sign it, veto it or allow it to become law without his signature.
The bill previously passed the House 81 to 63 on April 20 before the Senate approved an amended version 20 to 16 on April 30.
The proposal would allow qualifying out-of-state medical marijuana patients and caregivers to access Connecticut’s palliative cannabis program, extending access to visiting patients who are authorized to use medical marijuana in another state.
The legislation would also make numerous changes to how marijuana, hemp and infused beverages are regulated. It would revise several definitions in state law, including “cannabis,” while creating clearer rules for high-THC hemp products and infused beverages.
Infused beverages are a central part of the bill. HB 5350 would allow infused beverage wholesalers to sell products to additional liquor permit holders, create an on-premises consumption endorsement for certain businesses, change labeling rules and allow out-of-state laboratories to test infused beverages.
The bill would also establish a cannabis regulatory working group and revise several enforcement, licensing and business provisions. Among other changes, it would restrict certain financial arrangements involving cannabis licensees, update transport requirements, modify testing and remediation rules, and limit how long cannabis licensees may retain consumer information.
Additional provisions address edible marijuana serving sizes, packaging, product labeling, consumer safety disclosures, private consultation areas for pharmacists, and requirements for dispensary facilities.
Connecticut legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, with the first adult-use sales launching in January 2023. Adults 21 and older may possess up to 1.5 ounces of marijuana in public and up to 5 ounces in a locked container at home or in a vehicle.