The committee, composed of bipartisan members from the General Assembly, voted along party lines to block a Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) regulation that would have allowed physicians to recommend palliative use of cannabis for individuals with general chronic pain—broadening access beyond the current list of qualifying conditions. Democrats largely supported the measure, citing patient need and evolving views on cannabis as a medical treatment, while Republicans expressed concern over public health and regulatory overreach.
Sen. Ryan Fazio, R-Greenwich, voiced opposition, arguing that the proposed regulation blurred the line between medical and recreational use, potentially undermining efforts to ensure cannabis remains regulated and evidence-based in a medical context. “We should not conflate the recreational with the medical,” he stated, adding that existing dispensary practices already show signs of lax oversight.
On the other hand, Rep. Josh Elliott, D-Hamden, criticized the rejection as a disservice to patients who could benefit from alternative treatments. “The number one thing I hear from folks in pain is that they want options besides addictive opioids,” Elliott said.
In the same session, the committee unanimously approved regulations to improve safety standards for gas pipelines—responding to growing public and legislative concerns about infrastructure integrity and accident prevention. The new rules include stricter reporting requirements, updated safety protocols for contractors, and increased oversight from the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA).
The diverging outcomes reflect the committee’s continued balancing act between public health innovation and risk mitigation as Connecticut’s policy landscape evolves.
Dabbin-Dad Newsroom
If you liked this post, say thanks by sharing it
