Search Results for "connecticut"

Connecticut Senate Passes Intoxicating Hemp Product Regulation Bill; Moves to Gov.

5/13/2024

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The Connecticut Senate last week passed a bill to increase regulations on the state hemp industry, including stricter limits on hemp-derived THC and CBD products, WTNH reports. The legislation reduces the allowable amounts in products from 1 milligram per serving to .5 milligrams per serving and from 5 milligrams per container to 3 milligrams per container, respectively.

Mike Goodenough, a hemp farmer and member of the Cannabis Small Business Alliance, told WTNH the bill, if signed into law, will “absolutely kill” his business.

“Our farmers are stuck with having to remediate the THC out of it which costs more money. It’s also done non-organically, which removes our ability to call it a non-organic product.” — Goodenough to WTNH

State Rep. David Rutigliano (R), a co-sponsor of the bill, said the regulatory update was necessary because it protects underage consumers and that, in the wake of broad cannabis legalization in the state, only licensed dispensaries should be allowed to sell THC products.

“There is no regulation that you can’t sell this to anyone under 21. You can sell this to anyone,” he said in the report. “If you walk into a store or a gas station and there is a THC seltzer in it which contains an intoxicating substance, a 12-year-old could buy it currently.”

Last week, the Connecticut Consumer Protection issued a notice which said “All Connecticut businesses currently selling THC-infused beverages must take inventory of all products in their possession on May 14, 2024. A report of that inventory and a $1 per container fee are due to the Department of Consumer Protection by June 14, 2024,” seemingly preparing for the law’s passage, despite that it has yet to be signed into law by the governor.

The House passed the bill in April.

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Connecticut Appellate Court Rules Companies Can Fire Medical Cannabis Patients Who Come to Work Impaired

5/06/2024

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Connecticut employers have the right to terminate employees who come to work impaired by medical cannabis, a state Appellate Court judge ruled this month, according to an Insurance Journal report. The court upheld the dismissal of a lawsuit brought against a nonprofit pre-school that had fired a teaching assistant after she showed up to work under the influence of medical cannabis, which violated the school’s drug-free workplace policy.

The court ruled that despite the state’s medical cannabis law, employers “may prohibit qualifying patients from being under its influence in the workplace” and that employees who make claims under the law must prove they were terminated solely because they are a medical cannabis patient.

The court also affirmed the right of employers to seek drug tests for employees when the employer has a “reasonable suspicion” that an employee is violating its drug-free workplace policy.

The case dates back to 2019 when the employee, who is a registered patient for epilepsy under the state’s medical cannabis program, called a child by the wrong name, which led to her behavior being questioned by a colleague, the report says. The employee responded that “her head was just not right,” according to her colleague in court records, because she likely had ingested too much cannabis and the effects carried over into the workday. Six days later she took a drug test, testing negative for cannabis but positive for Valium, which she was also prescribed, the report says. The employee was first suspended and later fired following an investigation.

In terminating the employee, the school said it was unrelated to her medical condition, rather that she had shown up to work impaired. The employee filed a grievance, but both the school’s grievance committee and board of directors upheld the termination, the report says. The employee filed an employment discrimination complaint with the Commission on Human Rights and Opportunities and in her accompanying affidavit alleged that the school “terminated her employment because of her disability” and “failed to accommodate her by prohibiting her from working while taking prescription medication for her disability.”

In the Appellate Court decision dismissing the complaint, the court said that the state’s medical cannabis law contains language making clear that it shall not restrict an “employer’s ability to prohibit the use of intoxicating substances during work hours or restrict an employer’s ability to discipline an employee for being under the influence of intoxicating substances during work hours” and that the employee “failed to follow company policy and procedures.”

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Connecticut House Committee Approves Bill to Allow Broader Cannabis Industry Enforcement

3/15/2024

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The Connecticut General Law Committee on Tuesday approved a bill that would allow the state attorney general and local law enforcement to penalize and close shops that illegally sell THC products, CT Insider reports. The measure would also require mold and yeast exposure in cannabis products and limit the sale of THC-infused beverages to package stores, which sell beer and liquor in the state.  

Rep. Mike D’Agostino (D) told CT Insider that the bill’s THC restrictions will likely change before it’s brought up for debate on the House floor.

“Right now the bill says up to two-and-a-half percent THC per container. Only sold at liquor stores, not sold at restaurants, not sold at convenience stores, not sold anywhere else.” — D’Agostino, during the committee session, via CT Insider 

The measure would also allow licensed cultivators to step down to smaller micro-cultivation projects and partner with existing hemp farmers, in an effort to address the flower undersupply issue that has emerged in the 15-month-old program.

State Sen. Christine Cohen (D) told CT Insider that hemp farmers have struggled in the state, particularly since the broad legalization of cannabis. Under the measure, hemp products that contain very low amounts of THC would also be subjected to new age restrictions and testing requirements. Last session, a bill to allow hemp farmers to join the adult-use market failed in the Legislature.  

The bill moves next to the House floor. 

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Connecticut ‘Loophole’ Allows THC Beverage Sales In Liquor Stores

1/29/2024

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Some Connecticut liquor stores and other markets have started selling THC-infused seltzers under a “loophole” relating to product serving sizes, according to a CT Insider report.

Under state law in Connecticut — where cannabis was made legal in 2021 and later became available for purchase by adults in January 2023 — cannabis consumables including flower products, concentrates, and infused edibles and beverages are only available for purchase via state-licensed dispensaries. But lately, some THC-infused seltzer products are also being retailed in other markets including convenience stores and state-licensed liquor stores following adjustments to the products’ listed serving sizes in what insiders are calling a “loophole” in state law, the report said.

Per a Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection spokesperson, “a package containing less than 1 milligram of THC per serving and less than 5 milligrams per package is not considered cannabis, and may be produced and sold without a license.”

Some manufacturers, according to the report, are taking advantage by creating products that contain fewer than five milligrams of THC overall and labeling them as being more than five servings, regardless of the product’s volume (typically 7.5 or 12 ounces).

State Rep. Michael D’Agostino (D) said that lawmakers are planning to address the loophole by reducing the THC limit for retail products sold in the state without a cannabis license to .5 milligrams per container.

“This is constantly evolving, and we realized as a committee that we’ve got to get further ahead of this so that’s why this session we’re going to be changing that definition to make it even just a more bright line rule.” — D’Agostino, via CT Insider

Connecticut regulators recently doubled the cannabis purchasing limits from 7 to 14 grams per transaction.

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Connecticut Raises Cannabis Purchase Limits Starting in December

11/07/2023

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Starting next month, the maximum purchase limit for adult-use cannabis products in Connecticut will increase from seven grams to 14 grams per transaction. In a statement, Bryan Cafferelli, the commissioner for the Department of Consumer Protection, said the change comes after officials “reviewed the available supply and demand since before the launch of the market” and now feel it’s “appropriate” to increase the limits.   

“As more retailers, production companies and other supply chain licensees have come online, the capacity of the industry has increased. We are confident this measured approach to adult-use sales has resulted in a healthy market for businesses, and a safe and fair marketplace for adult-use cannabis consumers and medical marijuana patients.” — Cafferelli in a press release 

The program changes come as the state continues to set monthly cannabis sales records – which, combined, surpassed $25 million in September. Product prices were also their lowest since the launch of the adult-use market, with medical cannabis prices averaging $38.21 and adult-use prices averaging $38.37 in September. 

The new rules also increase the amount of vape cartridges allowed per purchase from four to eight, of either the .5 milliliter or 1 milliliter. The agency notes that purchases can include different product types that “collectively contain no more than” a half of an ounce of cannabis.  

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Connecticut City Settles Lawsuit With Former Cop Who Was Suspended for Using Medical Cannabis

10/25/2023

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The city of Bridgeport, Connecticut this week agreed to pay a settlement to a former police officer who said he was wrongly suspended for being a medical cannabis patient, CT Post reports. The settlement with Donald Bensey came as the case was set for a trial in Superior Court. 

The details of the settlement were not disclosed, and it still requires final approval from the City Council.  

In 2012, state lawmakers passed a bill prohibiting employers from firing employees who consumed cannabis and were enrolled in the state’s medical cannabis program; however, federal law outlaws the possession of firearms by cannabis consumers, which was required for Bensey in his role as a police officer. Bensey had worked for the Bridgeport police since 2006, and was promoted to sergeant in 2016, but had qualified for the medical cannabis program in 2016 following a post-traumatic stress disorder diagnosis, the report says.  

In 2016 and 2018, then-Police Chief Armando Perez issued a department-wide memo stating that, despite the medical cannabis law and 2012 law protecting medical cannabis patients, officers “are still prohibited from using or possessing marijuana and will be subject to discipline up to and including termination.” Bensey subsequently tested positive for cannabis during a random drug test and was suspended for 30 days and threatened with termination; he would later resign.  

In 2019, a federal judge tossed Bensey’s discrimination case, citing federal law.  

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Connecticut Cannabis Sales Surpass $25M In September for New Monthly Sales Record 

10/11/2023

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Combined medical and adult-use cannabis sales in Connecticut surpassed $25 million in September, setting a new monthly sales record in the state, according to Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) data outlined by CT News Junkie. September also saw the lowest average product prices at $38.21 for medical cannabis and $38.37 for adult-use products. 

The price per product was highest in January at $44.61 and has declined nearly every month since. 

In all, adult-use sales totaled $14.3 million while medical cannabis sales neared $11 million. The majority of total sales – 52% – were flower, followed by vape products (30%) and edibles (11%).   

Adult-use customers purchased 376,035 products in the month of September while medical cannabis patients purchased 284,116 products. 

The September figures issued by DCP are considered preliminary and don’t account for sales tax collected at point-of-sale for adult-use products. Medical cannabis products are exempt from taxes. 

In August, combined cannabis sales in the state totaled $25 million, which set the previous record, with $14 million in adult-use sales and $11 million in medical cannabis sales. 

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Former Cannabis CEO Hired to Oversee Connecticut Cannabis Program

9/15/2023

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The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) has tapped the former CEO of the state’s first licensed cannabis grower as state program manager for cannabis, CT Insider reports. Jennifer Mandzuk worked at Theraplant from 2014 until January and served as the company’s CEO since July 2022, the report says. 

DCP spokesperson Kaitlyn Krasselt told Insider that “Agencies often hire subject matter experts from the industry to ensure high quality, experienced staff.” 

“There is no formal conflict of interest when a former employee of an industry that we regulate comes to work for the regulating agency. … There is no requirement to obtain a formal approval from the Office of the State Ethics.” — Krasselt to CT Insider 

The state ethics office told Insider that the state’s code of ethics “does not contain a blanket prohibition against a current public official making decisions that would affect his or her former employer.”      

From 2019 to 2020, Theraplant spent $337,213.45 on lobbying efforts, according to a CT Post report in March. In 2021 and 2022 the firm spent $320,974.35, the report says. 

Theraplant is one of four active cannabis cultivators in the state, and was the first when medical cannabis was legalized in 2015. The company was acquired by Greenrose Holding in 2021, and again this year by New York-based DXR Holdco subsidiary NewCo, according to Security and Exchange Commission filings outlined by Insider.   

According to the job post, the state program manager for cannabis “is responsible for the management of the cannabis program in the Department of Consumer Protection, and may be responsible for management and oversight of other programs within the Drug Control Division and reports to the Director of the Drug Control Division.”  

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Connecticut Cannabis Sales Hit Record High of $25M in August

9/14/2023

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Cannabis sales in Connecticut continue to set records, topping $25 million in August, according to the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). In August, adult-use sales in the state totaled $14 million, while medical cannabis sales reached $11 million. 

It’s the seventh month in a row that adult-use sales in the state have increased. Medical cannabis sales also saw a slight increase of about 8,000 purchases after declining for four straight months. 

In all, 52% of combined cannabis sales were flower, with vape products comprising 30%, and edibles another 11%. In August, medical cannabis patients purchased 278,395 products, and adult-use consumers purchased 354,700 products. The average product price for medical cannabis patients was $39.36 in August, while the average price of adult-use products was $39.49, the DCP said in a press release. The figures represent a slight decline from average product prices in the state the prior month – $39.92 for adult-use products and $36.66 for products sold to registered patients. 

The data does not include taxes collected at the point of sale on adult-use transactions and is subject to further review by the department. Medical cannabis patients do not pay taxes on the purchase of their medicine. 

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Workers at Connecticut’s Largest Cannabis Grow Facility Join Union

8/17/2023

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Workers at Connecticut’s largest cannabis cultivation facility have joined United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 919, the News Times reports. More than 70 workers at CTPharma’s facility in Rocky Hill voted to join the union on June 13 and the contract was ratified later in the month. 

CTPharma is owned by Verano, which is based in Illinois. 

The CTPharma workers are the second cannabis cultivation facility employees to join a union in the state – in May workers at Advanced Grow Labs voted to join Local 919, becoming the first cannabis cultivation employees in the state to do so.   

In a statement, UFCW Director of Organizing Emily Sabo said the workers joined the union because they wanted “to make sure that they have a voice that matters at work and that this industry is equitable for the workers, too.”  

“So whatever that looks like, with how automation changes will end up affecting the cannabis industry inevitably, just like every other industry, they want to have those workplace protections and those conversations and the ability to talk about those things with their employer.” — Sabo via the News Times 

Under Connecticut law, cannabis business licensees are required to have a labor peace agreement in place. Sabo explained that while every cannabis business in the state is required to have such an agreement, that does not mean a union will form, though it’s more likely to happen.   

“A labor peace agreement means that an operator will remain neutral and fair if workers want to form a union,” she told the News Times. “In return, the union agrees and the workers are agreeing not to picket, no work stoppages, strikes, etc., in exchange for the neutrality.” 

The union includes workers in all areas of the facility. 

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Lawsuit Seeks to End Connecticut’s Cannabis Programs

8/16/2023

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A lawsuit filed last week in Connecticut Superior Court is challenging cannabis legalization in the state and asking a judge to stop cannabis sales, CT News Junkie reports. The complaint was filed by the Stamford Neighborhoods Coalition and more than a dozen individual plaintiffs and names Mayor Caroline Simmons and the city’s Zoning Board as defendants. 

The group is seeking an injunction to ban cannabis business operations in Stamford and the state as a whole on the grounds that the 2021 law legalizing cannabis possession and commercial sales was preempted by the federal Controlled Substances Act.

In the complaint, attorney David Herz argued that “Under federal law anyone involved in the growing, manufacturing, distribution or dispensing, or possession with intent to manufacture, grow, distribute or dispense marijuana is marijuana trafficking subject to federal prosecution under the federal Controlled Substances Act.”

“It is therefore unconstitutional and can not be relied upon by the City of Stamford or its Zoning Board to permit the illegal enterprise that is every Cannabis business.” — Herz, in the complaint, via CT News Junkie

The lawsuit also claims that the social equity provisions in the cannabis law violate an equal rights provision of the state constitution. The law created a Social Equity Council intended to ensure that the retail market benefited the Connecticut communities most impacted by the enforcement of cannabis prohibition. The complaint refers to the creation of the council as a “scheme” that is “impermissibly selected based on race.”

“The purpose of the Social Equity Counsel is to entitle a certain set of people to exclusive public emoluments,” the lawsuit argues.

A Congressional Research Service report published in March found that while the federal government has taken a largely hands-off approach to cannabis reforms enacted by the states, “The Department of Justice (DOJ) has nonetheless reaffirmed that marijuana growth, possession, and trafficking remain crimes under federal law irrespective of states’ marijuana laws.”

“Federal law enforcement has generally focused its efforts on criminal networks involved in the illicit marijuana trade,” the report says.

Adult-use cannabis sales in Connecticut reached $13 million in July. 

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Connecticut Adult-Use Cannabis Sales Reach $13M in July; Medical Sales Decline

8/11/2023

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Adult-use cannabis sales in Connecticut reached $13 million in July, while medical cannabis sales totaled $10.6 million, according to Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) data. In July, adult-use consumers purchased 324,177 products, while medical cannabis patients purchased 279,240 products.  

The average product price for adult-use products in July was $39.92 while the average price for medical cannabis products was $39.66. More than half of all sales – 52% – were flower, while vapes comprised 31% of sales and edible products represented 11% of sales. 

Adult-use sales in Connecticut have increased every month since sales launched in January. From June to July, adult-use sales increased by about $500,000 while medical cannabis sales decreased from about $11.4 million to $10.6 million over the same period.

So far this year, dispensaries in Connecticut have recorded about $68.9 million in adult-use sales and about $76.5 million in medical cannabis sales. According to DCP data, medical cannabis sales had been higher in the first four months adult-use cannabis was available for sale in the state; however, adult-use sales have exceeded medical cannabis sales in each of the last three months. 

Medical cannabis sales are exempt from sales and excise taxes. Transaction limits of 7 grams of raw flower or the equivalent remain in effect for all adult-use purchases, while medical cannabis patients may purchase up to 5 ounces per month and are not subject to individual transaction limits. 

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One of Connecticut’s Four Cannabis Producers Sold Following Foreclosure

8/01/2023

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One of Connecticut’s four licensed cannabis producers was sold last week, according to a filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). NewCo, a subsidiary of DXR Holdco, purchased Theraplant, which was in foreclosure, for an undisclosed sum. 

According to the filing, Theraplant had $4,107,400 worth of property in foreclosure. NewCo indicated those obligations would be “satisfied in full” but that $5 million in other financial obligations “remain outstanding.”  

Theraplant’s chief financial officer, Bernard Wang, was fired in connection with the deal.  

In a statement to CT News Junkie, Department of Consumer Protection spokesperson Kaitlyn Krasselt said the ownership change “did not impact [Theraplant’s] operations and they are continuing to supply the market without incident.” 

“Maintaining appropriate market supply, particularly for medical patients, remains a priority for the department and once notified of a proposed change in ownership the department reviews the transaction for any supply impacts and works with licensees to ensure adequate supply.” — Krasselt to CT News Junkie 

Greenrose Holding Company, Theraplant’s previous owner, last August disclosed $24 million in losses to the SEC during the first half of 2022 and the company also faced a debt collection lawsuit in Arizona, according to a CT News Junkie report.  

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Adults In Connecticut Can Begin Home Growing Cannabis This Saturday

6/28/2023

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Starting Saturday adults 21-and-older in Connecticut can grow their own cannabis plants for personal use, FOX 61 reports. Under the state’s legislature-approved cannabis legalization law, individuals can cultivate three mature and three immature plants up to 12 per household.  

Plants must be grown indoors, in locked areas, and unable to be accessed by anyone other than the consumer, qualifying medical cannabis patient, or caregiver. 

Christina Capitan, with CT Canna Warriors, warned that consumers should be aware of the regulations within some cities and towns and rules for apartment building and federal housing.  

“We pushed very hard for individuals to have the right to grow and not be reliant upon the producers that are licensed in our state. … Patients will have access to what they need. They will be able to grow the specific strains they need and the types that they want.” — Capitan to FOX 61 

Adult-use cannabis sales in Connecticut commenced earlier this year. Last month sales neared $23 million, the highest sales totals since the launch of the market in January. The average adult-use cannabis product price of $35.86 was its lowest level since the launch of the market but were only slightly lower than the average price of $39.48 in April. 

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Connecticut Cannabis Sales Reach $23M in May

6/13/2023

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Combined adult-use and medical cannabis sales in Connecticut totaled nearly $23 million in May, according to state Department of Consumer Protection data. Adult-use sales topped $11.5 million during the month, while medical cannabis sales reached $11.2 million. 

During the month, 312,758 medical cannabis products were sold, with an average price of $35.86, while adult-use consumers purchased 292,054 products, with an average price of $39.47.  

Adult-use sales totals in May were the highest since the launch of legal sales in January, topping the previous record of $10.2 million recorded in April. Medical cannabis sales fell slightly in May from the $11.4 million recorded the previous month. 

The average adult-use cannabis product price also reached its lowest level since adult-use sales commenced but fell only slightly from April’s average price of $39.48. Medical cannabis sales have remained stable but May’s average product price was the second lowest since January.  

The prices reported by the agency do not include taxes, which are based on milligrams of total THC for edibles and concentrates. Flower sales include the state’s usual 6.35% sales tax, a 3% tax that goes to the municipality where the sale occurs, and a tax based on THC content. Medical cannabis sales are untaxed.  

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NECANN to Produce Connecticut’s First Cannabis Industry Convention

5/22/2023

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Cannabis entrepreneurs, executives, and marketers are invited to attend the NECANN Connecticut Cannabis & Hemp Convention to be held from May 20-21, 2023 at the XL Center in Hartford.

NECANN specializes in creating resource hubs for the fast-expanding cannabis industry. Events where entrepreneurs, educators, businesses, advocates, investors, patients, and consumers can learn, connect, and thrive.

NECANN Connecticut will focus on businesses and products serving the emerging cannabis industry. A great substitute to the generic national canna-convention franchises, NECANN Connecticut is focused on each local market’s opportunities and needs. The convention will feature industry leaders from across the region presenting and taking part in panel discussions. This multifaceted convention offers a platform for big cannabis business deals to be simplified with providing attendees an opportunity to learn about the cannabis industry.

NECANN is proud to be a part of the Connecticut cannabis community and hopes to help evolving cannabis markets succeed and grow.

Tickets: https://necann.com/connecticut/2023-connecticut-cannabis-convention-tickets/
More info: https://necann.com/connecticut/
https://www.necann.com

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Workers at Connecticut Grow Become State’s First Cannabis Industry Employees to Form Union

5/16/2023

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A cannabis grow operation in West Haven, Connecticut on Monday became the first cannabis industry workers in the state to unionize. The 48 Advanced Grow Labs employees formed their union with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 919.  

In a statement, UFCW Local 919 Director of Organizing Emily Sabo said the employees “came together to form their union because they believe in the cannabis industry and they know that forming their union will make their job and the industry better.” 

“We are incredibly proud of the work the Advanced Grow Labs team has done to form their union. They know that unionization is the way for workers to uplift the Connecticut cannabis industry as a whole, and create living wage jobs.” — Sabo in a press release 

Connecticut’s adult-use cannabis law requires all licensees to enter into a Labor Peace Agreement as part of the final license approval.  

UFCW Local 919 President Mark A. Espinosa said the union is “excited to bargain a contract and set the standard for all cannabis workers” in Connecticut. 

“We know there is strength in numbers, and now many workers to come will benefit from the hard work done by these workers at Advanced Grow Labs,” he said in a statement. “We encourage other cannabis workers in this state to join this important movement.” 

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Connecticut Medical Cannabis Sales Decrease for First Time Since Adult-Use Launch

5/15/2023

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Medical cannabis sales in Connecticut in April decreased for the first time since adult-use sales commenced in the state, according to state data outlined by CT Insider. Medical cannabis sales in April totaled $11.4 million, down from $12.6 million in March, but were still higher than adult-use sales in April, which reached $10.2 million.  

Adult-use cannabis sales in Connecticut commenced in January and totaled $5.1 million, while medical cannabis sales reached just over $8 million. In February, adult-use sales were just over $7 million, while medical cannabis sales totaled $11.4 million. In March, adult-use sales climbed to about $9.6 million, with medical sales totaling about $12.6 million. 

The price of medical cannabis since the launch of adult-use sales has remained stable, with an average product price of $35.68 in January, $36.11 in February, $37.06 in March, and $36.51 in April, according to state data. Adult-use prices have declined since the $44.61 average seen during the January market launch. In February, the average price was $41.82; $40.69 in March; and $39.58 in April.    

Despite the strong medical cannabis sales, patient counts are on the decline in the state. In January, there were 48,896 registered medical cannabis patients, compared to 46,048 in April. 

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Connecticut House Passes Psilocybin Decriminalization Bill

5/12/2023

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The Connecticut House on Wednesday approved a measure to decriminalize small quantities of psilocybin mushrooms, CT Examiner reports. Under the proposal, penalties for possessing less than a half ounce of psilocybin mushrooms would be reduced from a misdemeanor with penalties of up to a year in jail to a simple infraction with a $150 penalty for the first offense. 

The measure passed the chamber 86-64 with two Republicans backing the plan and 13 Democrats opposing it.  

Under current state law, for second offenses courts can order substance abuse treatment for a and up to three years in prison for a third. The bill would change that to a $200 to $500 fine for a second offense, and a drug education program for the third. 

During the debate, Rep. Steve Stafstrom (D) disclosed that he has a close friend that had self-medicated with psilocybin to deal with a painkiller addiction, depression, and suicidal thoughts, and credited psilocybin with saving his friend’s life. 

“What we’re saying is if those individuals are caught with this substance, rather than punishing them with a year in prison for self-medicating with this substance, we would instead give them a fine. And for a second offense, we would send them for some drug education counseling to hopefully get them the help and support they need.” — Stafstrom via CT Examiner 

In 2021, Connecticut lawmakers tasked the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to study whether psilocybin could have a beneficial use in health care, particularly mental health care. The agency reported that there could be health benefits to the medical use of psilocybin “under the supervision of health professionals” for substance abuse, major depression, care for end-of-life anxiety, and depression treatment. 

The measure still requires approval by the state Senate. 

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Connecticut Confiscates Thousands of THC Products from Stamford Vape Shops

4/13/2023

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Law enforcement in Connecticut announced on Tuesday they have confiscated thousands of delta-8 THC, delta-8 THCO, delta-9 THCO, and other high-THC products at three vape shops in Stamford. Attorney General William Tong said he is preparing to take legal action against Zaza Smoke Shop 2, Breeze Smokeshop, and Worlds Exotic Smoke Shop for alleged violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. 

The action followed an investigation by Tong’s office at the three shops. At one shop, investigators discovered a fake electrical panel with a hidden drawer containing cannabis flower, other illicit drugs, cash, and a ledger. At another shop, investigators found illegal THC products stashed above ceiling tiles.   

“My message to retailers is clear – if you continue to sell unregulated, untested, illegal cannabis, I will hold you accountable. Fake Oreos, Cheetos, and Sour Patch Kids packed with THC put kids in danger and are not legal anywhere in Connecticut. In partnership with the Stamford Police Department, thousands of these illegal cannabis products have been confiscated and their sellers now face legal consequences. I have sent letters to every licensed vape shop and publicized the law in every way that I can. There is zero excuse for the continued sale of these illegal, unregulated, and untested products.” — Tong in a press release 

Under Connecticut law, cannabis products that exceed 0.3 percent THC on a dry weight, including delta-8 THC, are considered cannabis and may only be sold in the regulated market and must meet testing and packaging requirements. 

In February, Tong sent warning letters to all Connecticut licensed retailers of vaping products advising them that sale of delta-8 THC by unlicensed retailers may be illegal. 

To date, the Office of the Attorney General has sued five Connecticut retailers for alleged violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act over the sale of illegal delta-8 THC products mimicking popular youth-oriented snacks and candies. The first five complaints were filed in February and remain pending. 

Adult-use cannabis sales commenced in the state in January. 

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1,500+ Pending Cannabis Cases Dropped by Connecticut Chief State Attorney’s Office

4/05/2023

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Connecticut’s chief state attorney’s office has dropped 1,562 cannabis possession charges following a review of more than 4,000 pending cases, CT Insider reports. The review and dismissal of cases came as state lawmakers are drafting a bill to order the state Division of Criminal Justice to stop prosecuting cannabis-only cases. The proposal is part of the follow-up to the full legalization of cannabis in Connecticut. 

Another 624 cases reviewed by Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin’s prosecutors will be modified to drop cannabis from the overall charges. 

“It has been the shared position of this committee and the division that persons charged with a possession of a cannabis-type substance offense that has subsequently been decriminalized should not be prosecuted for that offense. Thus, identifying these cannabis cases could not be accomplished merely by conducting a computerized review of pending cases. The 4,248 cases statewide including 2,139 pending and 2,109 in re-arrest status. This was no small task and quite labor intensive.” — Griffin in a letter to the General Assembly’s Judiciary Committee via CT Insider 

In an interview with CT Insider, State Rep. Greg Howard (R), who is also a police officer, called the review “remarkable.” 

“…When the chief state’s attorney testified, he assured us that while the statute doesn’t specifically say that it was retroactive to pending cases, he understands the legislative intent,” Howard said, “he accepts that, and he has made that clear to all of his state’s attorneys and obviously they have been hard at work about that.” 

The bill ordering the criminal justice division to stop prosecuting cannabis cases last week passed the committee 27-10 along party lines. It moves next to the full chamber for consideration. 

   

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Connecticut Lawmakers Advance Bill Creating Pathway for Hemp Growers to Enter Cannabis Industry

3/09/2023

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The Connecticut Legislature’s General Law Committee on Tuesday approved a measure to allow hemp growers to apply for state cultivator or micro-cultivator licenses which would allow them to sell cannabis in the state’s licensed retailers, CT Insider reports. Under the proposal, growers would pay $12 per square foot of growing space. Micro-cultivation sites would be capped at 10,000 square feet.

If approved by lawmakers and signed into law by the governor, hemp producers could apply for the licenses between October 1 and December 31, giving the Department of Consumer Protection time to prepare for the application process.

During a hearing on the proposal, State Rep. Mike D’Agostino (D) said the state’s adult-use licensing fees – between $1 million and $3 million – priced hemp farmers out of the industry.

“We’re trying to be mindful of a new entrant into the market; still having plenty of square-foot space for other applicants who are out there as part of the regular (application) process; making sure we’re not flooding the market but also still adding to the existing market. That was also based on input from the hemp farmers in terms of, frankly, what they could meet anyway.” — D’Agostino via CT Insider

At one point, there were around 200 hemp growers licensed in the state, but that number has been reduced to fewer than 40 due to reduced demand for, and an oversupply of, hemp-based products, such as CBD, the report says.

The measure moves next to the House.

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Connecticut Bill Would Create Cannabis Ombudsman Position

2/23/2023

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A bill proposed in Connecticut would create the position of Cannabis Ombudsman – an independent person that would serve as a liaison between medical cannabis patients and the state to address concerns, NBC Connecticut reports. The move comes about a month after adult-use cannabis sales commenced in the state which has caused complaints among registered patients of reduced choices for medical cannabis products.

House Majority Leader Jason Rojas (D), who sponsored the legislation, said the measure would improve quality and safety for medical cannabis patients.

In a statement, Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Michelle Seagull said the agency is “aware some patients have expressed concerns regarding the availability of certain products following the opening of the adult-use market and the increase in the allotment for medical marijuana patients to five ounces per month.”

“The department is monitoring and evaluating the information in the seed-to-sale tracking system, complaints, and the medical preservation plans, as well as communicating with the producers as necessary.” — Seagull in a statement

Medical Cannabis Patient Advocate Lou Rinaldi told NBC Connecticut that oversight in the state “so far has largely not been in service to patients.”

“They do not have a voice in the program,” he said.

The proposal is currently in the Connecticut– House and Senate committees on General Law.

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Connecticut AG Sues Over Delta-8 Products that Mimic Child-Friendly Products

2/22/2023

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Connecticut Attorney General William Tong is suing five retailers over the illegal sale of delta-8 THC products that mimic products that appeal to children under the state’s Unfair Trade Practices Act. Tong is also sending letters to all vape products retailers in the state warning them of selling such products without the proper license. 

“If you offer delta-8 THC products for sale in your establishment that exceed .3 percent THC on a dry weight basis and you do not hold such a license, you are in violation of Connecticut law. For your information, we have included below photographs of products that were recently purchased from retailers in Connecticut that purport to contain delta-8 THC. The sale of such products may expose you to criminal and civil liability. Please remove any such products from your shelves and dispose of them immediately.” — Tong in the letter 

In a statement, Tong said that, “Any unlicensed Connecticut retailer selling delta-8 THC products that purport to contain high levels of THC is breaking the law and may be subject to both criminal and civil penalties.” 

Tong said the letter and lawsuits follow an undercover investigation that “revealed widespread sale of untested, unregulated, delta-8 edibles mimicking popular youth snacks” and that the five retailers served with lawsuits “offered some of the most egregious look-alike edibles posing the worst risks for accidental youth poisoning.”

The attorney general’s investigation uncovered products that mimicked popular candies and snacks such as Skittles, Warheads, Lifesavers Gummies, Nerds Rope, Gobstopper Chewy, Sour Patch Kids, Airheads, Fritos, Rice Krispies, and Cocoa Pebbles.

The lawsuits were filed against Raheem Mini Mart and AZ Smoke Shop and Wireless in Manchester, Smokers Paradise and 7 Puff in East Hartford, and Anthony’s Service Station Inc. In Plainville.

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