Connecticut lawmakers reimpose THC cap on cannabis flower
- Connecticut lawmakers reinstated the state’s 35% THC cap on cannabis flower after concerns from both Republican and Democrat senators about public health impacts, particularly on children.
- While THC caps on edibles remain standard, few states limit cannabis flower potency; Vermont caps it at 30%, and Connecticut's decision may place its market at a competitive disadvantage compared to states like Massachusetts with lower prices and taxes.
- The state lifted the 70% THC cap on concentrates and increased allowable THC in drinks sold outside cannabis retail channels from 3mg to 5mg, with dispensary beverages capped at 10mg, while also allowing market expansion to topicals, tablets, and capsules.
- Ongoing debates continue regarding THC potency caps on non-flower products, with some lawmakers, including Republican Sen. Paul Cicarella, advocating for revisiting limits on other cannabis forms due to broad public health concerns.
Connecticut lawmakers reinstated the state’s 35% THC cap on cannabis flower, reversing a decision made just weeks ago to remove the limit.
The cap was restored after pushback from some state senators – both Republican and Democrat – who were concerned about how higher-potency cannabis products would affect public health, especially among children, according to the Hartford Courant.
“I still think it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to have a cap,” House Majority Leader Jason Rojas told the Connecticut Mirror. “But if people felt strongly about it, we agreed to it.”
While THC caps on edibles are standard practice, very few states impose potency limits on cannabis flower. Vermont also caps cannabis flower potency, but to 30% THC.
The move comes in a market where operators are already navigating shifting rules and narrowing margins, with declining overall revenue despite a sharp increase in sales. Lawmakers are also mindful of competition from nearby Massachusetts, where prices and taxes are both lower.
When the bill passed in April, Rep. Roland Lemar, a Democrat from New Haven, said cannabis flower already has natural THC limits, suggesting the gap between real-world flower potency and the statutory cap is small.
“I think it puts [businesses] at a competitive disadvantage vis-à-vis some other states. But at the end of the day, the regulators and the legislators who were tasked with making the responsible choice didn’t feel comfortable in that space, moving to an uncapped system,” Lemar said.
While the THC cap is gone, Connecticut is still allowing previously approved changes to move forward, including the removal of a 70% THC cap on concentrates.
The state also increased the amount of THC allowed in drinks sold outside of cannabis retail channels from 3 milligrams to 5. Cannabis beverages sold in dispensaries or marijuana stores can have up to 10 milligrams of THC.
In addition, the market expansion to topicals, tablets and capsules remains in place.
But the debate over THC potency caps on products other than flower may not be over.
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Republican state Sen. Paul Cicarella said he wants to see the legislature revisit setting THC caps on other forms.
“Marijuana is a concern. Increasing these levels is a concern of multiple people around this circle, regardless of party,” he told the Courant.