THC Caps Raise for Flower & Concentrates
Effective October 1, 2025, the maximum THC levels will rise:
Concentrates can increase from 60% to 70% THC
Flower potency may climb from 30% to 35% THC
High‑THC Beverages Allowed—But Only Out of State
Manufacturers with a recent endorsement can produce high‑potency THC drinks, but sales in Connecticut are prohibited; these beverages are strictly for export.
Hybrid Retailer Loosened Rules
These shops can now operate with lighter pharmacist staffing requirements and sell a broader array of hemp and cannabis products.
Hemp Farmers Can Grow Cannabis
Licensed hemp farmers struggling under stricter regs can now shift into cannabis cultivation. They’re also enabled to establish micro-cultivation and on‑site sales rooms, similar to breweries.
Cultivation Zones Expanded
Licenses (including provisional ones) may now include facilities outside Disproportionately Impacted Areas (DIAs), provided certain operations remain inside. This helps ease site scarcity and reduce consolidation.
Equity Joint Ventures Permitted
Eligible social-equity licensees can form partnerships to support growers outside DIAs, with stipulations around contribution to Social Equity Fund and operational sequencing.
Stricter Penalties for Illicit Sales
The state armed local authorities with wider seizure powers for unlicensed cannabis and vape outlets, and authorized fines up to $30,000 per day—especially targeting smoke shops illegally retailing cannabis.
Cannabis Hemp Enforcement Task Force
A new task force will monitor and advise on market health, public welfare, and illegal activity mitigation.
Regulations Target Market Weaknesses
With in-state sales lagging (monthly revenues hovering around $17.6M vs projections) and out-of-state competition offering cheaper/lower potency alternatives, these reforms aim to boost competitiveness through relaxed packaging rules, potency caps, and pharmacist support.
Support Through Licensing Reform
Pathways for smaller producers—including hemp-to-cannabis transitions and hybrid retailing—are intended to “stabilize the market, reduce consolidation, and empower smaller operations”.
Connecticut’s new regulatory overhaul seeks balance—aiming to fuel industry growth, support equity-focused entrepreneurs, enhance product diversity, and crack down on illegal competition. As the governor reviews the package, businesses and consumers alike can look ahead to a revamped market ecosystem by autumn 2025.
Dabbin-Dad Newroom
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