HARTFORD — In a significant shift for the state’s cannabis landscape, the Connecticut House of Representatives passed H.B. 5350 on Monday, a comprehensive bill designed to modernize the legal market and eliminate several existing potency restrictions. The legislation, which passed with an 83–61 vote, represents one of the most substantial updates to the state’s cannabis statutes since legalization.
Key Provisions: Potency and Product Expansion
The centerpiece of the bill is the removal of the 35% THC concentration cap on cannabis flower. Proponents, led by State Representative Roland Lemar (D-New Haven), argue that the current caps were arbitrary and forced consumers toward the illicit market or neighboring states like New York and Rhode Island, which lack such restrictions.
Under the new framework:
- THC Caps Removed: Limits on THC concentration for cannabis flower and concentrates are eliminated.
- Infused Beverages: The THC limit for infused beverages sold in package stores will rise from 3mg to 5mg, while dispensary-grade beverages can reach up to 10mg per container.
- Mandatory Warnings: To address health concerns, any product exceeding 30% THC must carry a specific warning label regarding high potency and the potential risk of psychosis.
Market Access and Transparency
Beyond potency, H.B. 5350 seeks to streamline operations and expand the consumer base. The bill would allow qualifying out-of-state medical marijuana patients to purchase products from Connecticut dispensaries, a move intended to bolster the state’s medical program.
The legislation also reduces staffing requirements, lowering the mandatory on-site presence of licensed pharmacists at dispensaries to eight hours per week, while allowing technicians and other registered employees to dispense products.
A Contentious Debate
The vote followed hours of debate centered on public health and government transparency. Republican lawmakers expressed deep reservations, citing the potential impact of high-potency products on youth mental health. House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora (R-North Branford) argued that the bill “puts money ahead of children.”
Further controversy arose from a last-minute amendment that exempts the Statewide Cannabis, Hemp, and Controlled Substances Enforcement Board’s quarterly meetings and records from the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA). Advocacy groups and critics labeled the move a “step backward” for government accountability, arguing it shields the industry from necessary public scrutiny.
Next Steps
The bill now moves to the State Senate. If signed into law, most provisions are slated to take effect on October 1, 2026. Supporters believe the “Great Rewrite” will finally allow Connecticut’s legal market to compete effectively with illicit operators, while critics warn that the long-term health and transparency costs remain unknown.
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