HB 5350 — AN ACT CONCERNING CANNABIS, HEMP AND INFUSED BEVERAGE REGULATION.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 practices course required pursuant to subparagraph (B) of this subdivision, and to certify to the commissioner, under oath, the results of each such test administered.

(2) In any prosecution for a violation of subdivision (1) of subsection (a)Public ofAct thisNo. section in which it is alleged that the defendant's operation of a motor vehicle was impaired, in whole or in part, by consumption of cannabis, asdefinedin section [21a-420]21a-240,asamendedby this act, the court may take judicial notice that the ingestion of cannabis (A) can impair a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle;

26-8 9 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 (a) of this section in which it is alleged that the defendant's operation of a motor vehicle was impaired, in whole or in part, by consumption of cannabis, asdefinedin section [21a-420]21a-240,asamendedby this act, the court may take judicial notice that the ingestion of cannabis (A) can impair a person's ability to operate a motor vehicle;

sHB5350(2) /In Fileany No.prosecution for a violation of subsection (a) of this section in which it is alleged that the defendant's operation of a vessel was impaired, in whole or in part, by consumption of cannabis, as defined in section [21a-420] 21a-240, as amended by this act, the court may take judicial notice that the ingestion of cannabis (A) can impair a person's ability to operate a vessel;

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 (2) In any prosecution for a violation of subsection (a) of this section in which it is alleged that the defendant's operation of a vessel was impaired, in whole or in part, by consumption of cannabis, as defined in section [21a-420] 21a-240, as amended by this act, the court may take judicial notice that the ingestion of cannabis (A) can impair a person's ability to operate a vessel;

(6)Public "Cannabis"Act [meansNo. marijuana, as defined] has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-240, as amended by this act;

26-8 10 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 (6) "Cannabis" [means marijuana, as defined] has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-240, as amended by this act;

(a) There shall be a State-Wide Cannabis, [and] Hemp and Controlled Substances Enforcement [Policy] Board consisting of the Attorney General, the Chief State's Attorney, the Commissioner of Consumer sHB5350Protection, /the FileCommissioner No.of Emergency Services and Public Protection, the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services [, the Commissioner of Public Health,] and the Commissioner of Revenue Services, [and the executive director of the Social Equity Council,] or their designees.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 Protection, the Commissioner of Emergency Services and Public Protection, the Commissioner of Mental Health and Addiction Services [, the Commissioner of Public Health,] and the Commissioner of Revenue Services, [and the executive director of the Social Equity Council,] or their designees.

[, and (4) examine developments in the cannabis and hemp industries.] (c) The quarterly meetings of the board, and all documents related to such meetings, shall not be available to the public or subject to inspection or disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, as definedPublic inAct sectionNo. 1-200.

26-8 11 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 defined in section 1-200.

Subsection (d) of section 21a-106 of the general statutes is sHB5350repealed /andthefollowing Fileissubstituted No.inlieuthereof(EffectiveOctober 1, 2026):

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 repealed andthefollowing issubstituted inlieuthereof(EffectiveOctober 1, 2026):

Subdivisions (20) to (29), inclusive, of section 21a-240 of the general statutes are repealed and the following is substituted in lieu thereofPublic (EffectiveAct OctoberNo. 1, 2026):

26-8 12 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 thereof (Effective October 1, 2026):

(v) dilutents and adulterants, including, but not limited to, quinine hydrochloride, mannitol, mannite, sHB5350dextrose /and Filelactose No.used, intended for use or designed for use in cutting controlled substances;

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 dextrose and lactose used, intended for use or designed for use in cutting controlled substances;

and (ix) objects used, intended for use or designed for use in ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing [marijuana] cannabis, cocaine, hashish or hashish oil into the human body, including, but not limited to, wooden, acrylic, glass, stone, plastic or ceramic pipes with screens, permanent screens, hashish heads or puncturedPublic metalAct bowls;No.

26-8 13 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 punctured metal bowls;

(21) "Federal Controlled Substances Act, 21 USC 801 et seq." means sHB5350Public /Law File91-513, No.the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 Public Law 91-513, the Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970.

Exemplary of such drugs are mescaline, peyote,Public psilocynAct andNo. d-lysergic acid diethylamide, which are controlled substances under this chapter unless modified.

26-8 14 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 peyote, psilocyn and d-lysergic acid diethylamide, which are controlled substances under this chapter unless modified.

sHB5350(27) /"Laboratory" Filemeans No.a laboratory approved by the Department of Consumer Protection as proper to be entrusted with the custody of controlled substances and the use of controlled substances for scientific and medical purposes and for purposes of instruction, research or analysis.

716(28) sHB5350"Manufacture" Filemeans the production, preparation, cultivation, Public Act No.

71626-8 (27)15 "Laboratory" means a laboratory approved by the Department of Consumer232 ProtectionSubstitute asHouse properBill toNo. be entrusted with the custody of controlled substances and the use of controlled substances for scientific and medical purposes and for purposes of instruction, research or analysis.

(28)5350 "Manufacture" means the production, preparation, cultivation, growing, propagation, compounding, conversion or processing of a controlled substance, either directly or indirectly by extraction from substances of natural origin, or independently by means of chemical synthesis, or by a combination of extraction and chemical synthesis, and includes any packaging or repackaging of the substance or labeling or relabeling of its container, except that this term does not include the preparation or compounding of a controlled substance by an individual for the individual's own use or the preparation, compounding, packaging or labeling of a controlled substance:

any] and (iii) every (I) high-THC hemp product, [;] (II) manufactured [cannabinoids;] cannabinoid, or [cannabinon,] (III) cannabinol or cannabidiol and chemical compounds which are similar to [cannabinon,] cannabinol or cannabidiol in chemical structure or which are similar thereto in physiological effect, which are controlled substances under this chapter, except cannabidiol derived from hemp, sHB5350as /defined Filein No.section 22-61l, as amended by this act, that is not a high- THC hemp product;

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 as defined in section 22-61l, as amended by this act, that is not a high- THC hemp product;

(A) The] (i) the mature stalks of such plant, (ii) the fiber produced from [such stalks,] the mature stalks of such plant, (iii) the oil or cake made from thePublic seedsAct ofNo. such plant, (iv) any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture or preparation of [such] the mature stalks [, except the resin extracted from such mature stalks or fiber, oil or cake;

26-8 16 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 the seeds of such plant, (iv) any other compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture or preparation of [such] the mature stalks [, except the resin extracted from such mature stalks or fiber, oil or cake;

(e) The Commissioner of Consumer Protection shall classify [marijuana] cannabis as a controlled substance in schedule II under the Connecticutcontrolledsubstanceschedulingregulations,exceptthatfor any [marijuana] cannabis product that has been approved by the federal Food and Drug Administration or successor agency to have a medical use and that is reclassified in any schedule of controlled substances or unscheduled by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration or successoragency,thecommissionershalladoptthescheduledesignatedsuccessoragency,thecommissioner shalladoptthescheduledesignated by the Drug Enforcement Administration or successor agency.

In the event that [marijuana] cannabis is reclassified as a controlled substance in schedule III, IV or V of the federal Controlled Substances Act, or is sHB5350unscheduled /by Filethe federal Drug Enforcement Administration or Public Act No.

71626-8 sHB535017 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 unscheduled by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration or successoragency,thecommissionershalladoptthescheduledesignated by the federal Drug Enforcement Administration or successor agency.

Upon application of any physician or physician assistant licensed pursuant to chapter 370, or an advanced practice registered nurse licensed pursuant to chapter 378, the Commissioner of Consumer Protection shall without unnecessary delay, (1) license such physician to possess and supply [marijuana] cannabis for the treatment of glaucoma or the side effects of chemotherapy, or (2) license such physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse to possess and supply [marijuana] cannabis for the treatment of the side effects of chemotherapy.Public Act No.

No26-8 person18 outsideof this232 stateSubstitute shallHouse sellBill or supply controlled substances within this state without first obtaining a license sHB5350 / File No.

7165350 sHB5350chemotherapy. File No.

716No person outside this state shall sell or supply controlled substances within this state without first obtaining a license to do so from the Commissioner of Consumer Protection, provided no such license shall be required of a manufacturer whose principal place of business is located outside this state and who is registered with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration or other federal agency, and who files a copy of such registration with the appropriate licensing authority under this chapter.

Sec.Public Act No.

26-8 19 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 Sec.

(a) (1) Any person who possesses or has under such person's control sHB5350any /quantity Fileof No.any controlled substance, except any quantity of cannabis, asdefinedin section [21a-420]21a-240,asamendedby this act, and except as authorized in this chapter or chapter 420f, shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 any quantity of any controlled substance, except any quantity of cannabis, asdefinedin section [21a-420]21a-240,asamendedby this act, and except as authorized in this chapter or chapter 420f, shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

[(3)]Public (4)Act "CannabisNo. testing laboratory" means a person who (A) is located in this state, (B) is licensed by the department to analyze [marijuana] cannabis, and (C) meets the licensure requirements established in section 21a-408r, as amended by this act, and the regulations adopted pursuant to subsection (d) of section 21a-408r, as amended by this act;

sHB535026-8 /20 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 sHB5350[(3)] File(4) No."Cannabis testing laboratory" means a person who (A) is located in this state, (B) is licensed by the department to analyze [marijuana] cannabis, and (C) meets the licensure requirements established in section 21a-408r, as amended by this act, and the regulations adopted pursuant to subsection (d) of section 21a-408r, as amended by this act;

716 [(4)] (5) "Cannabis testing laboratory employee" means a person who is (A) employed at a cannabis testing laboratory, and (B) registered pursuanttosection21a-408r,asamendedbythisact,andtheregulations adopted pursuant to subsection (d) of section 21a-408r, as amended by this act;

[(7)] (8)"Debilitating medicalcondition"means(A)cancer,medicalcondition"means(A)cancer,glaucoma, glaucoma, positive status for human immunodeficiency virus or acquired immune deficiency syndrome, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, damage to the nervous tissue of the spinal cord with objective neurological indicationPublic ofAct intractable spasticity, epilepsy or uncontrolled intractable seizure disorder, cachexia, wasting syndrome, Crohn's disease, posttraumatic stress disorder, irreversible spinal cord injury with objective neurological indication of intractablespasticity, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis or terminal illness requiring end-of-life care, except, if the qualifying patient is under eighteen years of age, "debilitating medical condition" means terminal illness requiring end-of-life care, irreversible spinal cord injury with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, severe epilepsy or uncontrolled sHB5350 / File No.

71626-8 sHB535021 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 indication of intractable spasticity, epilepsy or uncontrolled intractable seizure disorder, cachexia, wasting syndrome, Crohn's disease, posttraumatic stress disorder, irreversible spinal cord injury with objective neurological indication of intractablespasticity, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis or terminal illness requiring end-of-life care, except, if the qualifying patient is under eighteen years of age, "debilitating medical condition" means terminal illness requiring end-of-life care, irreversible spinal cord injury with objective neurological indication of intractable spasticity, cerebral palsy, cystic fibrosis, severe epilepsy or uncontrolled intractable seizure disorder, or (B) any medical condition, medical treatment or disease approved for qualifying patients by the Department of Consumer Protection and posted online pursuant to section 21a-408l, as amended by this act;

[(11)] (12) "Institutional review board" means a specifically constituted review body established or designated by an organization to protect the rights and welfare of persons recruited to participate in biomedical,Public behavioralAct orNo. social science research;

26-8 22 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 biomedical, behavioral or social science research;

(15) "Palliative use" (A) means (i) the acquisition, distribution, sHB5350transfer, /possession, Fileuse No.or transportation of [marijuana] cannabis or paraphernalia relating to [marijuana] cannabis, including the transfer of [marijuana] cannabis and paraphernalia relating to [marijuana] cannabis from the qualifying patient's caregiver to the qualifying patient, to alleviate a qualifying patient's symptoms of a debilitating medical condition or the effects of such symptoms, [but] and (ii) the acquisition, possession, use or transportation of cannabis or paraphernalia relating to cannabis by a qualifying out-of-state patient, including the transfer of cannabis and paraphernalia relating to cannabis from the qualifying out-of-state patient's caregiver to the qualifying out-of-state patient, and (B) does not include any such use of [marijuana] cannabis by any person other than the qualifying patient or qualifying out-of-state patient;

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 transfer, possession, use or transportation of [marijuana] cannabis or paraphernalia relating to [marijuana] cannabis, including the transfer of [marijuana] cannabis and paraphernalia relating to [marijuana] cannabis from the qualifying patient's caregiver to the qualifying patient, to alleviate a qualifying patient's symptoms of a debilitating medical condition or the effects of such symptoms, [but] and (ii) the acquisition, possession, use or transportation of cannabis or paraphernalia relating to cannabis by a qualifying out-of-state patient, including the transfer of cannabis and paraphernalia relating to cannabis from the qualifying out-of-state patient's caregiver to the qualifying out-of-state patient, and (B) does not include any such use of [marijuana] cannabis by any person other than the qualifying patient or qualifying out-of-state patient;

(19)Public "Producer"Act meansNo. a person who is licensed as a producer pursuant to section 21a-408i, as amended by this act;

26-8 23 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 (19) "Producer" means a person who is licensed as a producer pursuant to section 21a-408i, as amended by this act;

(21) "Qualifying out-of-state credential" means a card or other sHB5350physical /document Fileissued No.by another state or jurisdiction of the United States to a resident of such other state or jurisdiction that entitles such residentto(A)engageinthepalliativeuse ofcannabisinsuchotherstate or jurisdiction, or (B) undertake responsibility for managing the well- being of a qualifying out-of-state patient with respect to the palliative use of cannabis in such other state or jurisdiction;

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 physical document issued by another state or jurisdiction of the United States to a resident of such other state or jurisdiction that entitles such residentto(A)engageinthepalliativeuseofcannabisinsuchotherstate or jurisdiction, or (B) undertake responsibility for managing the well- being of a qualifying out-of-state patient with respect to the palliative use of cannabis in such other state or jurisdiction;

[(20)] (23) "Qualifying patient" means a person who (A) is a resident of Connecticut, (B) has been diagnosed by a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse as having a debilitating medical condition, and (C) (i) is eighteen years of age or older, (ii) is an emancipated minor, or (iii) has written consent from a custodial parent, guardian or other person having legal custody of such person that indicates that such person has permission from such parent, guardian orPublic otherAct personNo. for the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis for a debilitating medical condition and that such parent, guardian or other person will (I) serve as a caregiver for the qualifying patient, and (II) control the acquisition and possession of [marijuana] cannabis and any related paraphernalia for palliative use on behalf of such person.

26-8 24 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 or other person for the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis for a debilitating medical condition and that such parent, guardian or other person will (I) serve as a caregiver for the qualifying patient, and (II) control the acquisition and possession of [marijuana] cannabis and any related paraphernalia for palliative use on behalf of such person.

sHB5350[(22)] /(25) File"Research No.program employee" means a person who (A) is registered as a research program employee under section 21a-408t, or (B) holds a temporary certificate of registration issued pursuant to section 21a-408t;

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 [(22)] (25) "Research program employee" means a person who (A) is registered as a research program employee under section 21a-408t, or (B) holds a temporary certificate of registration issued pursuant to section 21a-408t;

and [(25)] (28) "Written certification" means a written certification issued by a physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nursePublic pursuantAct toNo. section 21a-408c, as amended by this act.

26-8 25 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 nurse pursuant to section 21a-408c, as amended by this act.

(1) The qualifying patient's physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse has issued a written certification to sHB5350the /qualifying Filepatient No.for the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis after the physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse has prescribed, or determined it is not in the best interest of the patient to prescribe, prescription drugs to address the symptoms or effects for which the certification is being issued;

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 the qualifying patient for the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis after the physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse has prescribed, or determined it is not in the best interest of the patient to prescribe, prescription drugs to address the symptoms or effects for which the certification is being issued;

and (4) Any cannabis plants grown by the qualifying patient in [his or] the qualifying patient's home [is] are in compliance with subsection (b) ofPublic sectionAct 21a-408d,No. as amended by this act, and any applicable regulations.

26-8 26 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 of section 21a-408d, as amended by this act, and any applicable regulations.

(iii) "vehicle" means a vehicle, as defined sHB5350in /section File14-1; No.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 in section 14-1;

(c) (1) A qualifying out-of-state patient who complies with the requirements of this chapter and chapter 420h shall not be subject to arrest or prosecution, penalized in any manner, including, but not limited to, being subject to any civil penalty, or denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to, being subject to any disciplinary action by a professional licensing board, for the palliative use of cannabis if the amount of cannabis possessed by the qualifying out-of- state patient and the qualifying out-of-state caregiver for palliative use doesPublic notAct exceedNo. five ounces.

26-8 27 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 does not exceed five ounces.

(b) (1) A caregiver who has a valid registration certificate from the Department of Consumer Protection pursuant to subsection (a) of section 21a-408d, as amended by this act, and complies with the requirements of sections 21a-408 to 21a-408m, inclusive, as amended by this act, shall not be subject to arrest or prosecution, penalized in any sHB5350manner, /including, Filebut not limited to, being subject to any civil penalty, or denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to, being subject to any disciplinary action by a professional licensing board, for the acquisition, distribution, possession or transportationof [marijuana] cannabis or paraphernalia related to [marijuana] cannabis on behalf of such caregiver's qualifying patient, provided the amount of any [marijuana] cannabis so acquired,distributed,possessed or transported, together with the combined amount of usable [marijuana] cannabis possessed by the qualifying patient and the caregiver, does not exceed Public Act No.

71626-8 sHB535028 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 manner, including, but not limited to, being subject to any civil penalty, or denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to, being subject to any disciplinary action by a professional licensing board, for the acquisition, distribution, possession or transportationof [marijuana] cannabis or paraphernalia related to [marijuana] cannabis on behalf of such caregiver's qualifying patient, provided the amount of any [marijuana] cannabis so acquired,distributed,possessed or transported, together with the combined amount of usable [marijuana] cannabis possessed by the qualifying patient and the caregiver, does not exceed five ounces.

(c) A dispensary facility shall not dispense any cannabis product, as defined in section 21a-420, as amended by this act, in a smokable, inhalable or vaporizable form (1) to a caregiver for a qualifying patient who is under eighteen years of age, or (2) to a qualifying out-of-state caregiver for a qualifying out-of-state patient who is under eighteen sHB5350years /of Fileage. No.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 years of age.

(a) (1) A physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registeredPublic nurseAct mayNo. issue a written certification to a qualifying patient that authorizes the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis by the qualifying patient.

26-8 29 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 registered nurse may issue a written certification to a qualifying patient that authorizes the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis by the qualifying patient.

(3) Except as provided in subdivision (6) of this subsection, not later than ten calendar days after the expiration of the period determined by the physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse under subdivision (2) of this subsection, or at any time before the expiration of such period should the qualifying patient no longer wish to possess [marijuana] cannabis for palliative use, the qualifying patient or the caregiver shall destroy all usable [marijuana] cannabis possessed sHB5350by /the Filequalifying No.patient and the caregiver for palliative use.

716(4) sHB5350A Filephysician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse shall not be subject to arrest or prosecution, penalized in any manner, including, but not limited to, being subject to any civil penalty, Public Act No.

71626-8 by30 theof qualifying232 patientSubstitute andHouse theBill caregiverNo. for palliative use.

(4)5350 A physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse shall not be subject to arrest or prosecution, penalized in any manner, including, but not limited to, being subject to any civil penalty, or denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to, being subject to any disciplinary actionbytheConnecticut MedicalExamining Board, the Connecticut State Board of Examiners for Nursing or other professional licensing board, for providing a written certification under subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 21a-408a, as amended by this act, if:

(B)The physician,physicianassistant or advancedpracticeadvanced practice registered nurse has explained the potential risks and benefits of the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis to the qualifying patient and, if the qualifying patient lacks legal capacity, to a parent, guardian or person having legal custody of the qualifying patient, to the qualifying patient's caregiver or to a person legally authorized to make medical decisions on behalf of the qualifying patient;

sHB5350(5) /A Filephysician assistant or nurse shall not be subject to arrest or prosecution, penalized in any manner, including, but not limited to, Public Act No.

71626-8 sHB535031 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 (5) A physician assistant or nurse shall not be subject to arrest or prosecution, penalized in any manner, including, but not limited to, being subject to any civil penalty, or denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to, being subject to any disciplinary action by the Connecticut Medical Examining Board, Board of Examiners for Nursing or other professional licensing board, for administering [marijuana] cannabis to a qualifying patient or research program subject in a hospital or health care facility licensed by the Department of Public Health.

and (C)Public ReviewedAct the electronic prescription drug monitoring program sHB5350 / File No.

71626-8 sHB535032 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 (C) Reviewed the electronic prescription drug monitoring program established pursuant to section 21a-254 and verified that no other licensed dispensary had prescribed or dispensed [marijuana] cannabis to such individual during the one-year period immediately preceding the date of such review.

(5)Public AAct licensed dispensary that issues a temporary written certification pursuanttosubdivision(1)ofthissubsectionshallensurethatallpatient sHB5350 / File No.

71626-8 sHB535033 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 (5) A licensed dispensary that issues a temporary written certification pursuanttosubdivision(1)ofthissubsectionshallensurethatallpatient assessment and eligibility documentation maintained pursuant to subdivision (4) of this subsection is made readily available to the department, and shall submit any such documentation to the department, in a form and manner prescribed by the department, not later than forty-eight hours after the department requests such documentation.

(a)Eachqualifying patient who isissuedawrittencertificationforthe palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis under subdivision (1) of subsectionPublic (a)Act ofNo. section 21a-408a, as amended by this act, and the caregiver of such qualifying patient, shall register with the Department of Consumer Protection.

Such26-8 registration34 shall be effective from the date the Department of Consumer232 ProtectionSubstitute issuesHouse aBill certificate of registration until the expiration of the written certification issued by the sHB5350 / File No.

7165350 sHB5350subsection File(a) No.of section 21a-408a, as amended by this act, and the caregiver of such qualifying patient, shall register with the Department of Consumer Protection.

716Such registration shall be effective from the date the Department of Consumer Protection issues a certificate of registration until the expiration of the written certification issued by the physician, physician assistant or advanced practice registered nurse.

(c)Public AAct dispensaryNo. shall not dispense any [marijuana] cannabis productsina smokable, inhalableor vaporizable formto (1)aqualifying patient who is under eighteen years of age or such qualifying patient's caregiver, or (2) a qualifying out-of-state patient who is under eighteen years of age or such qualifying out-of-state patient's qualifying out-of- state caregiver.

26-8 35 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 (c) A dispensary shall not dispense any [marijuana] cannabis productsina smokable, inhalableor vaporizable formto (1)aqualifying patient who is under eighteen years of age or such qualifying patient's caregiver, or (2) a qualifying out-of-state patient who is under eighteen years of age or such qualifying out-of-state patient's qualifying out-of- state caregiver.

Section 21a-408e of the general statutes is repealed and the sHB5350following /is Filesubstituted No.in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2026):

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 following is substituted in lieu thereof (Effective October 1, 2026):

The provisions of this section do not apply to any qualifying patient, [or] qualifying out- of-state patient, caregiver or qualifying out-of-state caregiver who fails to comply with the requirements for the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabisPublic underAct sectionsNo. 21a-408 to 21a-408m, inclusive, as amended by this act.

26-8 36 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 cannabis under sections 21a-408 to 21a-408m, inclusive, as amended by this act.

sHB5350(b) /Any Fileperson No.who makes a fraudulent representation to a law enforcement official of any fact or circumstance relating to the issuance, contents or validity of a written certification for the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis, or a document purporting to be such a written certification, shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 (b) Any person who makes a fraudulent representation to a law enforcement official of any fact or circumstance relating to the issuance, contents or validity of a written certification for the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis, or a document purporting to be such a written certification, shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.

(c) The Commissioner of Consumer Protection shall determine the number of dispensary facilities appropriate to meet the needs of qualifying patients in this state and shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to provide for the licensure and standards for dispensary facilities in this state and specify the maximum number ofPublic dispensaryAct facilitiesNo. that may be licensed in this state.

26-8 37 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 of dispensary facilities that may be licensed in this state.

sHB5350(3) /Provide Filefor No.renewal of dispensary facility licenses at least every two years;

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 (3) Provide for renewal of dispensary facility licenses at least every two years;

and (7) Establish other licensing, renewal and operational standards deemedPublic necessaryAct byNo. the commissioner.

26-8 38 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 deemed necessary by the commissioner.

sHB5350(2) /A Filedispensary No.facility shall ensure that a licensed dispensary is available, either in-person or remotely, when the dispensary facility is open.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 (2) A dispensary facility shall ensure that a licensed dispensary is available, either in-person or remotely, when the dispensary facility is open.

(4) Each dispensary facility shall conspicuously post and maintain a signPublic (A)Act atNo. the main entrance of the dispensary facility, which sign shall (i) be at least twelve inches in height and eighteen inches in width, (ii) incorporate lettering in a size and style that is clear and legible, and (iii) state the name of the licensed dispensary who is available for consultations either in person or through telehealth, and (B) at each register or comparable point of sale within the dispensary facility, and on any Internet web site maintained by such dispensary facility, which sign shall (i) be at least eight inches in height and ten inches in width, (ii) incorporate lettering in a size and style that is clear and legible, and (iii) state "Pharmacist available for consultation" in a clear and legible manner.

(5)26-8 No39 registered employee of a232 dispensarySubstitute facilityHouse shallBill sell any marijuana for palliative use, unless such registered employee has completed at least (A) one hour of education concerning the types, availability, dosage and methods of administration of marijuana for palliative use, (B) one hour of education concerning professional ethics, (C) one hour of education concerning state and federal laws and regulations concerning patient privacy, and (D) one hour of education sHB5350 / File No.

7165350 sHB5350sign File(A) No.at the main entrance of the dispensary facility, which sign shall (i) be at least twelve inches in height and eighteen inches in width, (ii) incorporate lettering in a size and style that is clear and legible, and (iii) state the name of the licensed dispensary who is available for consultations either in person or through telehealth, and (B) at each register or comparable point of sale within the dispensary facility, and on any Internet web site maintained by such dispensary facility, which sign shall (i) be at least eight inches in height and ten inches in width, (ii) incorporate lettering in a size and style that is clear and legible, and (iii) state "Pharmacist available for consultation" in a clear and legible manner.

716(5) No registered employee of a dispensary facility shall sell any marijuana for palliative use, unless such registered employee has completed at least (A) one hour of education concerning the types, availability, dosage and methods of administration of marijuana for palliative use, (B) one hour of education concerning professional ethics, (C) one hour of education concerning state and federal laws and regulations concerning patient privacy, and (D) one hour of education concerning developments in the palliative use of marijuana.

The commissioner shall post all policies and procedures on the Department of Consumer Protection's Internet web site, and submit such policies and procedures to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relatingtoconsumerprotectionandtheSecretaryoftheStateforposting onPublic theAct eRegulationsNo. System, at least fifteen days prior to the effective date of any policy or procedure.

26-8 40 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 on the eRegulations System, at least fifteen days prior to the effective date of any policy or procedure.

(c) The Commissioner of Consumer Protection shall determine the number of dispensary facilities appropriate to meet the needs of qualifying patients in this state and shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to provide for the licensure and standards for dispensary facilities in this state and specify the maximum number sHB5350of /dispensary Filefacilities No.that may be licensed in this state.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 of dispensary facilities that may be licensed in this state.

(2) Provide that no [marijuana] cannabis may be dispensed from, obtainedPublic fromAct orNo. transferred to a location outside of this state;

26-8 41 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 obtained from or transferred to a location outside of this state;

sHB5350(d) /Notwithstanding Filethe No.provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section, a retailer or hybrid retailer, as such terms are defined in section 21a-420, as amended by this act, may use the term "dispensary" in any marketing, advertising or promotional material or in any signage, branding item, logo or label.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 (d) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsections (a) and (b) of this section, a retailer or hybrid retailer, as such terms are defined in section 21a-420, as amended by this act, may use the term "dispensary" in any marketing, advertising or promotional material or in any signage, branding item, logo or label.

(1)Public OnlyAct aNo. licensed dispensary or dispensary technician under the direction of a licensed dispensary may upload data to the electronic prescription drug monitoring program established pursuant to section 21a-254, except such upload may be accomplished by way of an automated upload from the dispensary facility's point-of-sale system.

26-8 42 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 (1) Only a licensed dispensary or dispensary technician under the direction of a licensed dispensary may upload data to the electronic prescription drug monitoring program established pursuant to section 21a-254, except such upload may be accomplished by way of an automated upload from the dispensary facility's point-of-sale system.

(3) A dispensary facility that offers telehealth consultations with a licensed dispensary shall (A) maintain technology that is capable of facilitating such telehealth consultations, and (B) make such telehealth consultations readily available and accessible, including, but not limited sHB5350to, /by Filetelephone No.from a remote location outside of the dispensary facility.

716(4) sHB5350Each Filedispensary facility shall conspicuously post and maintain a sign (A) at the main entrance of the dispensary facility, which sign shall (i) be at least twelve inches in height and eighteen inches in width, (ii) incorporate lettering in a size and style that is clear and legible, and (iii) Public Act No.

71626-8 to,43 byof telephone232 fromSubstitute aHouse remoteBill locationNo. outside of the dispensary facility.

(4)5350 Each dispensary facility shall conspicuously post and maintain a sign (A) at the main entrance of the dispensary facility, which sign shall (i) be at least twelve inches in height and eighteen inches in width, (ii) incorporate lettering in a size and style that is clear and legible, and (iii) state the name of the licensed dispensary who is available for consultations either in person or through telehealth, and (B) at each register or comparable point of sale within the dispensary facility, and on any Internet web site maintained by such dispensary facility, which sign shall (i) be at least eight inches in height and ten inches in width, (ii) incorporate lettering in a size and style that is clear and legible, and (iii) state "Pharmacist available for consultation" in a clear and legible manner.

(A) A qualifying out-of-state patient or qualifying out-of-state caregiver who purchases cannabis for palliative use submits to the dispensaryfacilityorhybridretailer,atthetimeofpurchase,(i)thevalid qualifying out-of-state credential that was issued to the qualifying out- of-state patient or qualifying out-of-state caregiver, and (ii) a registration form, in a form and manner prescribed by the sHB5350commissioner, /that File(I) is signed by the qualifying out-of-state patient or qualifying out-of-state caregiver,(II)includesthename ofthequalifying out-of-state patient and qualifying out-of-state caregiver, (III) includes an acknowledgment by the qualifying out-of-state patient or qualifying out-of-state caregiver that the qualifying out-of-state patient or Public Act No.

71626-8 sHB535044 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 commissioner, that (I) is signed by the qualifying out-of-state patient or qualifying out-of-state caregiver,(II)includesthename ofthequalifying out-of-state patient and qualifying out-of-state caregiver, (III) includes an acknowledgment by the qualifying out-of-state patient or qualifying out-of-state caregiver that the qualifying out-of-state patient or qualifying out-of-state caregiver understands the laws and regulations of this state concerning the palliative use of cannabis by qualifying out- of-state patients and qualifying out-of-state caregivers, shall be ineligible to engage in the palliative use of cannabis in this state if the qualifying out-of-state patient or qualifying out-of-state caregiver violates any such law or regulation and shall not transport cannabis across any state or international boundary, and (IV) includes any other information the commissioner may reasonably require for the purposes of this chapter or chapter 420h;

The commissioner shall post all policies and procedures on the Department of Consumer sHB5350Protection's /Internet Fileweb site, and submit such policies and procedures to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to consumer protection and the Secretary Public Act No.

71626-8 sHB535045 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 Protection's Internet web site, and submit such policies and procedures to the joint standing committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to consumer protection and the Secretary of the State for posting on the eRegulations System, at least fifteen days prior to the effective date of any policy or procedure.

sHB5350(B) /Provide Filethat no [marijuana] cannabis may be sold, delivered, Public Act No.

71626-8 sHB535046 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 (B) Provide that no [marijuana] cannabis may be sold, delivered, transported or distributed by a producer from or to a location outside of this state;

(I) Define "pharmaceutical grade [marijuana] cannabis for palliative use"Public forAct theNo. purposes of this section;

sHB535026-8 /47 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 sHB5350use" Filefor No.the purposes of this section;

716 (J) Establish standards and procedures for revocation, suspension, summary suspension and nonrenewal of producer licenses, provided such standards and procedures are consistent with the provisions of subsection (c) of section 4-182;

(b)Public NoAct dispensary or employee of the dispensary facility acting within the scope of his or her employment shall be subject to arrest or prosecution or penalized in any manner, including, but not limited to, being subject to any civil penalty, or denied any right or privilege, sHB5350 / File No.

71626-8 sHB535048 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 (b) No dispensary or employee of the dispensary facility acting within the scope of his or her employment shall be subject to arrest or prosecution or penalized in any manner, including, but not limited to, being subject to any civil penalty, or denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to, being subject to any disciplinary action by a professional licensing board, for acquiring, possessing, distributing or dispensing [marijuana] cannabis pursuant to sections 21a-408 to 21a- 408m, inclusive, as amended by this act.

(a) The Commissioner of Consumer Protection shall establish a Board of Physicians consisting of eight physicians or surgeons who are knowledgeablePublic aboutAct theNo. palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis and certified by the appropriate American board in the medical specialty in which they practice, at least one of whom shall be a board certified pediatrician appointed in consultation with the Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

26-8 49 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 knowledgeable about the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis and certified by the appropriate American board in the medical specialty in which they practice, at least one of whom shall be a board certified pediatrician appointed in consultation with the Connecticut Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

sHB5350Thereafter, /members Fileoftheboardshallserve No.for atermoffour yearsand shall be eligible for reappointment.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 Thereafter, membersoftheboardshallserve for atermoffour yearsand shall be eligible for reappointment.

(3)Public AcceptAct andNo. review petitions to add medical conditions, medical treatments or diseases to the list of debilitating medical conditions that qualify for the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis;

26-8 50 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 (3) Accept and review petitions to add medical conditions, medical treatments or diseases to the list of debilitating medical conditions that qualify for the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis;

sHB5350(5) /Review Fileand No.recommend to the Department of Consumer Protection protocols for determining the amounts of [marijuana] cannabis that may be reasonably necessary to ensure uninterrupted availability for a period of one month for qualifying patients, including amounts for topical treatments;

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 (5) Review and recommend to the Department of Consumer Protection protocols for determining the amounts of [marijuana] cannabis that may be reasonably necessary to ensure uninterrupted availability for a period of one month for qualifying patients, including amounts for topical treatments;

(f) [On and after October 1, 2021, conditions] Conditions added pursuantPublic toAct thisNo. section to the list of debilitating medical conditions that qualify for the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis shall be posted by the commissioner on the Department of Consumer Protection's Internet web site.

26-8 51 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 pursuant to this section to the list of debilitating medical conditions that qualify for the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis shall be posted by the commissioner on the Department of Consumer Protection's Internet web site.

(a) The Commissioner of Consumer Protection may adopt sHB5350regulations, /in Fileaccordance No.with chapter 54, to establish (1) a standard form for written certifications for the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis issued by physicians, physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses under subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 21a-408a, as amended by this act, and (2) procedures for registrations under section 21a-408d, as amended by this act.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to establish (1) a standard form for written certifications for the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis issued by physicians, physician assistants and advanced practice registered nurses under subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 21a-408a, as amended by this act, and (2) procedures for registrations under section 21a-408d, as amended by this act.

The commissioner shall postPublic allAct policiesNo. and procedures on the department's Internet web site, and submit such policies and procedures to the Secretary of the State for posting on the eRegulations System, at least fifteen days prior to the effective date of any policy or procedure.

26-8 52 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 post all policies and procedures on the department's Internet web site, and submit such policies and procedures to the Secretary of the State for posting on the eRegulations System, at least fifteen days prior to the effective date of any policy or procedure.

sHB5350(2) /Establish Filecriteria No.for adding medical conditions, medical treatments or diseases to the list of debilitating medical conditions that qualify for the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis;

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 (2) Establish criteria for adding medical conditions, medical treatments or diseases to the list of debilitating medical conditions that qualify for the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis;

(A) [Marijuana] Cannabis production facilities within this state that arePublic housedAct onNo. secured grounds and operated by producers;

26-8 53 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 are housed on secured grounds and operated by producers;

sHB5350Nothing /in Filesections No.21a-408 to 21a-408m, inclusive, as amended by this act, or section 21a-243, as amended by this act, shall be construed to require health insurance coverage for the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 Nothing in sections 21a-408 to 21a-408m, inclusive, as amended by this act, or section 21a-243, as amended by this act, shall be construed to require health insurance coverage for the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis.

(4)Public "Landlord"Act hasNo. the meaning provided in section 47a-1;

26-8 54 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 (4) "Landlord" has the meaning provided in section 47a-1;

and sHB5350[(9)] /(11) File"Tenant" No.has the meaning provided in section 47a-1.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 [(9)] (11) "Tenant" has the meaning provided in section 47a-1.

(2) No landlord may refuse to rent a dwelling unit to a person or take action against a tenant solely on the basis of such person's or tenant's status as a qualifying patient, [or] qualifying out-of-state patient, caregiver or qualifying out-of-state caregiver under sections 21a-408 to 21a-408m,Public inclusive,Act asNo. amended by this act;

26-8 55 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 21a-408m, inclusive, as amended by this act;

(d) The Commissioner of Consumer Protection shall adopt regulations, in accordance with chapter 54, to (1) provide for the sHB5350licensure /or Fileregistration of cannabis testing laboratories and cannabis testing laboratoryemployees,(2)establishstandardsandproceduresfor the revocation, suspension, summary suspension and nonrenewal of cannabis testing laboratory licenses and cannabis testing laboratory employee registrations, provided such standards and procedures are consistent with the provisions of subsection (c) of section 4-182, (3) establish a registration renewal fee for each registered cannabis testing laboratory employee, provided the aggregate amount of such fees shall not be less than the amount necessary to cover the direct and indirect cost ofregistering andregulating cannabistesting laboratory employees in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, (4) establish procedures by which cannabis testing laboratories shall accept Public Act No.

71626-8 sHB535056 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 licensure or registration of cannabis testing laboratories and cannabis testing laboratoryemployees,(2)establishstandardsandproceduresfor the revocation, suspension, summary suspension and nonrenewal of cannabis testing laboratory licenses and cannabis testing laboratory employee registrations, provided such standards and procedures are consistent with the provisions of subsection (c) of section 4-182, (3) establish a registration renewal fee for each registered cannabis testing laboratory employee, provided the aggregate amount of such fees shall not be less than the amount necessary to cover the direct and indirect cost ofregistering andregulating cannabistesting laboratory employees in accordance with the provisions of this chapter, (4) establish procedures by which cannabis testing laboratories shall accept [marijuana] cannabis samples from caregivers, qualifying patients and consumers for testing, and (5) establish other licensing, registration, renewal and operational standards deemed necessary by the commissioner.

sHB5350(b) /(1) FileNo No.cannabis testing laboratory employee acting within the scope of such cannabis testing laboratory employee's employment shall be subject to arrest or prosecution, penalized in any manner, including, but not limited to, being subject to any civil penalty, or denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to, being subject to any disciplinary action by a professional licensing board, for acquiring, possessing, delivering, transporting or distributing [marijuana] cannabis to a cannabis establishment or an organization engaged in an approved research program under the provisions of this chapter.

716Public sHB5350Act File No.

71626-8 (b)57 (1) No cannabis testing laboratory employee acting within the scope of such232 cannabisSubstitute testingHouse laboratoryBill employee'sNo. employment shall be subject to arrest or prosecution, penalized in any manner, including, but not limited to, being subject to any civil penalty, or denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to, being subject to any disciplinary action by a professional licensing board, for acquiring, possessing, delivering, transporting or distributing [marijuana] cannabis to a cannabis establishment or an organization engaged in an approved research program under the provisions of this chapter.

5350 (2) No cannabis testing laboratory shall be subject to prosecution, penalized in any manner, including, but not limited to, being subject to any civil penalty or denied any right or privilege, for acquiring, possessing, delivering, transporting or distributing [marijuana] cannabis to a cannabis establishment or an organization engaged in an approved research program under the provisions of this chapter.

(a) No research program or research program employee may (1) acquire [marijuana] cannabis from a person other than a cannabis establishment or cannabis testing laboratory, (2) deliver, transport or distribute [marijuana] cannabis to a person who is not (A) a cannabis establishment, (B) a cannabis testing laboratory, or (C) a research program subject, (3) distribute or administer [marijuana] cannabis to an animal unless such animal is an animal research subject, or (4) obtain or sHB5350transport /[marijuana] Filecannabis No.outside of this state in violation of state or federal law.

716(b) sHB5350No Fileresearch program employee acting within the scope of such research program employee's employment shall be subject to arrest or prosecution, penalized in any manner, including, but not limited to, being subject to any civil penalty, or denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to, being subject to any disciplinary action by Public Act No.

71626-8 transport58 [marijuana] cannabis outside of this232 stateSubstitute inHouse violationBill ofNo. state or federal law.

(b)5350 No research program employee acting within the scope of such research program employee's employment shall be subject to arrest or prosecution, penalized in any manner, including, but not limited to, being subject to any civil penalty, or denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to, being subject to any disciplinary action by a professional licensing board, for acquiring, possessing, delivering, transporting or distributing [marijuana] cannabis to a cannabis establishment or cannabis testing laboratory, or a research program subject or distributing or administering [marijuana] cannabis to an animal research subject under the provisions of this chapter.

or (2) The ingestion of [marijuana] cannabis (A) in a motor bus or a school bus or in any other moving vehicle, (B) in the workplace, (C) on any school grounds or any public or private school, dormitory, college or university property unless such college or university is participating sHB5350in /a Fileresearch No.program and such use is pursuant to the terms of the research program, (D) in any public place, or (E) in the presence of a person under eighteen years of age unless such person is a qualifying patient or research program subject.

716For sHB5350purposes Fileof this subdivision, (i) "presence" means within the direct line of sight of the palliative use of Public Act No.

71626-8 in59 a research program and such use is pursuant to the terms of the232 researchSubstitute program,House (D)Bill inNo. any public place, or (E) in the presence of a person under eighteen years of age unless such person is a qualifying patient or research program subject.

For5350 purposes of this subdivision, (i) "presence" means within the direct line of sight of the palliative use of [marijuana] cannabis or exposure to second-hand [marijuana] cannabis smoke, or both;

(c)Whenconducting microbiologicaltesting asset forthin subsection sHB5350(b) /of Filethis section, the marijuana sample shall be tested by using (1) a molecular method that (A) includes quantitative polymerase chain Public Act No.

71626-8 sHB535060 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 (b) of this section, the marijuana sample shall be tested by using (1) a molecular method that (A) includes quantitative polymerase chain reaction, (B) is certified for identifying microbiological DNA, and (C) is approved by (i) the Association of Official Analytical Collaboration International, or (ii) a comparable national or international standards organization designated by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection, or (2) an alternative testing method approved by the Department of Consumer Protection and posted on the department's Internet web site.

or (3) If such cannabis establishment does not comply with subdivision (1) or (2) of this subsection, or if any subsequent laboratory testing does not yield satisfactory results for the testing set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, dispose of the entire marijuana batch from which the marijuana sample was taken in accordance with procedures sHB5350Public /Act File No.

71626-8 sHB535061 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 established by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection, as published on the Department of Consumer Protection's Internet web site.

(b) Not later than sixty days after any repeated laboratory testing performedPublic pursuantAct toNo. subparagraph (A) of subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of this section:

sHB535026-8 /62 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 sHB5350performed Filepursuant No.to subparagraph (A) of subdivision (3) of subsection (a) of this section:

716 (1) If the cannabis samples pass such repeated laboratory testing, the cannabis batch from which such cannabis samples were taken shall be released for sale;

(A)Public ReviewAct theNo. remediation plan to determine whether such remediation plan is sufficient to ensure public health and safety;

26-8 63 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 (A) Review the remediation plan to determine whether such remediation plan is sufficient to ensure public health and safety;

and sHB5350(C) /Send Fileto No.the cannabis establishment that submitted such remediation plan, in a form and manner prescribed by the commissioner, a written notice disclosing such approval or rejection and, in the case of a rejection, the reasons for such rejection.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 (C) Send to the cannabis establishment that submitted such remediation plan, in a form and manner prescribed by the commissioner, a written notice disclosing such approval or rejection and, in the case of a rejection, the reasons for such rejection.

or (B) If the cannabis samples fail such repeated laboratory testing, the cannabisestablishment that submitted such failing cannabissamplesfor such repeated laboratory testing shall, not later than sixty days after the date of such failed repeated laboratory testing, dispose of such cannabis batch in accordance with procedures established by the commissioner and published on the department's Internet web site, unless the cannabis establishment submits to the department during such sixty- dayPublic period,Act andNo. the commissioner approves, a request to extend the disposal period by an additional sixty days.

26-8 64 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 day period, and the commissioner approves, a request to extend the disposal period by an additional sixty days.

sHB5350(b) /Hemp Fileor No.manufacturer hemp products purchased by producers from third parties shall be tracked as a separate batch throughout the manufacturing process in order to document the disposition of such hemp or manufacturer hemp products.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 (b) Hemp or manufacturer hemp products purchased by producers from third parties shall be tracked as a separate batch throughout the manufacturing process in order to document the disposition of such hemp or manufacturer hemp products.

(C)Public DisplayedAct withNo. signage approved by the department;

26-8 65 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 (C) Displayed with signage approved by the department;

[or marijuana;] and sHB5350(F) /Sold Filein No.accordance with this chapter, chapter 424 and any regulations adopted pursuant to said chapters.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 (F) Sold in accordance with this chapter, chapter 424 and any regulations adopted pursuant to said chapters.

(3) "Person" means an individual, firm, partnership, corporation, company,Public association,Act trustNo. or other business or tribal entity;

26-8 66 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 company, association, trust or other business or tribal entity;

sHB5350Sec. / File No.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 Sec.

(1) "Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis Act" or "RERACA" means this section, sections 2-56j, 7-294kk, 7-294ll, 12-330ll to 12-330nn, inclusive, as amended by this act, 14-227p, 21a- 278b, 21a-278c, 21a-279c, 21a-279d, 21a-408w, as amended by this act, 21a-420a to 21a-420j, inclusive, as amended by this act, 21a-420l to 21a- 421u,inclusive,asamendedbythisact,21a-421aato21a-421ff,inclusive, as amended by this act, 21a-421aaa to 21a-421iii, inclusive, 21a-422 to 21a-422c, inclusive, 21a-422e to 21a-422g, inclusive, as amended by this act, 21a-422j to 21a-422s, inclusive, 21a-422u, 22-61n, as amended by this act, 23-4b, 47a-9a, 53-247a,asamendedby53-247a, asamendedby this act,53a-213a,asamended by this act, 53a-213b, as amended by this act, 54-33p, 54-56q, 54-56r, 54- 125k and 54-142u, sections 23, 60, 63 to 65, inclusive, 124, 144 and 165 of public act 21-1, as amended by this act, of the June special session, and the amendments in public act 21-1, as amended by this act, of the June specialPublic sessionAct toNo. sections 7-148, as amended by this act, 10-221, 12-30a, 12-35b, 12-412, as amended by this act, 12-650, as amended by this act, 12-704d, as amended by this act, 14-44k, 14-111e, 14-227a to 14-227c, inclusive, as amended by this act, 14-227j, 15-140q, 15-140r, as amended by this act, 18-100h, 19a-342, as amended by this act, 19a-342a, as amended by this act, 21a-267, 21a-277, as amended by this act, 21a-279, as amended by this act, 21a-279a, as amended by this act, 21a-408 to 21a- 408f, inclusive, as amended by this act, 21a-408h to 21a-408p, inclusive, as amended by this act, 21a-408r to 21a-408v, inclusive, as amended by this act, 30-89a, 31-40q, as amended by this act, 32-39, 46b-120, 51-164n, 53-394, 53a-39c, 54-1m, 54-33g, 54-41b, 54-56e, 54-56g, 54-56i, 54-56k, 54- 56n, 54-63d, 54-66a and 54-142e, [and] section 22 of public act 25-101 and sections 48 to 52, inclusive, of this act;

26-8 67 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 special session to sections 7-148, as amended by this act, 10-221, 12-30a, 12-35b, 12-412, as amended by this act, 12-650, as amended by this act, 12-704d, as amended by this act, 14-44k, 14-111e, 14-227a to 14-227c, inclusive, as amended by this act, 14-227j, 15-140q, 15-140r, as amended by this act, 18-100h, 19a-342, as amended by this act, 19a-342a, as amended by this act, 21a-267, 21a-277, as amended by this act, 21a-279, as amended by this act, 21a-279a, as amended by this act, 21a-408 to 21a- 408f, inclusive, as amended by this act, 21a-408h to 21a-408p, inclusive, as amended by this act, 21a-408r to 21a-408v, inclusive, as amended by this act, 30-89a, 31-40q, as amended by this act, 32-39, 46b-120, 51-164n, 53-394, 53a-39c, 54-1m, 54-33g, 54-41b, 54-56e, 54-56g, 54-56i, 54-56k, 54- 56n, 54-63d, 54-66a and 54-142e, [and] section 22 of public act 25-101 and sections 48 to 52, inclusive, of this act;

"Backer" does not include (A) a sHB5350bank, /bank Fileand No.trust company, bank holding company, Connecticut bank, Connecticut credit union, federal bank, federal branch, federal credit union, financial institution, foreign bank, holding company, out- of-state bank, out-of-state credit union, out-of-state trust company, savings and loan association, savings bank or savings and loan holding company, as such terms are defined in section 36a-2, or a wholly-owned subsidiary thereof, that provides nonequity financing to a cannabis establishment and does not directly participate in the control, management or operation of the cannabis establishment, or (B) an individual with an investment interest in a cannabis establishment if (i) the interest held by such individual and such individual's spouse, parent or child, in the aggregate, does not exceed five per cent of the total ownership or interest rights in such cannabis establishment, and (ii) such individual does not participate directly or indirectly in the control, management or operation of the cannabis establishment;

716(3) sHB5350"Cannabis" File[means marijuana, as defined] has the same meaning Public Act No.

71626-8 bank,68 bank and trust company, bank holding company, Connecticut bank, Connecticut credit union, federal bank, federal branch, federal credit union, financial institution, foreign bank, holding company, out- of-state bank, out-of-state credit union, out-of-state trust company, savings and loan association, savings bank or savings and loan holding company, as such terms are defined in section 36a-2, or a wholly-owned subsidiary thereof, that provides nonequity financing to a cannabis establishment and does not directly participate in the control, management or operation of the232 cannabisSubstitute establishment,House orBill (B)No. an individual with an investment interest in a cannabis establishment if (i) the interest held by such individual and such individual's spouse, parent or child, in the aggregate, does not exceed five per cent of the total ownership or interest rights in such cannabis establishment, and (ii) such individual does not participate directly or indirectly in the control, management or operation of the cannabis establishment;

(3)5350 "Cannabis" [means marijuana, as defined] has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-240, as amended by this act;

(5) "Cannabis flower" means the flower, including abnormal and immature flowers, of a plant of the genus cannabis that has been harvested, dried,cured, choppedorground,andpriortochoppedor anyground,andpriorto processinganyprocessing whereby the flower material is transformed into a cannabis product.

sHB5350(7) /"Cannabis Filetesting No.laboratory employee" means an individual who is (A) employed at a cannabis testing laboratory, and (B) registered pursuanttosection21a-408r,asamendedbythisact,andtheregulations adopted pursuant to subsection (d) of section 21a-408r, as amended by this act;

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 (7) "Cannabis testing laboratory employee" means an individual who is (A) employed at a cannabis testing laboratory, and (B) registered pursuanttosection21a-408r,asamendedbythisact,andtheregulations adopted pursuant to subsection (d) of section 21a-408r, as amended by this act;

(9) "Cannabis product" means cannabis, intended for use or consumption, that is in the form of (A) a cannabis concentrate, or (B) a productPublic thatAct containsNo. cannabis and at least one other cannabis or noncannabis ingredient or component, excluding cannabis flower;

26-8 69 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 product that contains cannabis and at least one other cannabis or noncannabis ingredient or component, excluding cannabis flower;

sHB5350(16) /"Cultivator" Filemeans No.a person that is licensed to engage in the cultivation, growing and propagation of the cannabis plant at an establishment with not less than fifteen thousand square feet of grow space;

716(17) sHB5350"Delivery Fileservice" means a person that is licensed to deliver cannabis from (A) micro-cultivators, retailers and hybrid retailers to consumers and research program subjects, and (B) hybrid retailers and dispensary facilities to qualifying patients, caregivers and research program subjects, as defined in section 21a-408, as amended by this act, or to hospices or other inpatient care facilities licensed by the Public Act No.

71626-8 (16)70 "Cultivator" means a person that is licensed to engage in the cultivation, growing and propagation of the232 cannabisSubstitute plantHouse atBill anNo. establishment with not less than fifteen thousand square feet of grow space;

(17)5350 "Delivery service" means a person that is licensed to deliver cannabis from (A) micro-cultivators, retailers and hybrid retailers to consumers and research program subjects, and (B) hybrid retailers and dispensary facilities to qualifying patients, caregivers and research program subjects, as defined in section 21a-408, as amended by this act, or to hospices or other inpatient care facilities licensed by the Department of Public Health pursuant to chapter 368v that have a protocol for the handling and distribution of cannabis that has been approved by the department, or a combination thereof;

(20) "Disproportionately impacted area" means (A) for the period beginning July 1, 2021, and ending July 31, 2023, a United States census tract in the state that has, as determined by the Social Equity Council under subdivision (1) of subsection (i) of section 21a-420d, as amended by this act, (i) a historical conviction rate for drug-related offenses greater than one-tenth, or (ii) an unemployment rate greater than ten per cent, and(B)onandafterAugust 1,2023,aUnitedStatescensustract in this state that has been identified by the Social Equity Council pursuant to subdivision (2) of subsection (i) of section 21a-420d, as sHB5350amended /by Filethis No.act;

716(21) sHB5350"Disqualifying Fileconviction" means a conviction within the last ten years which has not been the subject of an absolute pardon under the provisionsofsection54-130a,or anequivalentpardonprocessunder the lawsofanother state orthefederalgovernment, for anoffense under (A) section 53a-276, 53a-277 or 53a-278, (B) section 53a-291, 53a-292 or 53a- 293, (C) section 53a-215, (D) section 53a-138 or 53a-139, (E) section 53a- 142a, (F) sections 53a-147 to 53a-162, inclusive, (G) sections 53a-125c to Public Act No.

71626-8 amended71 byof this232 act;Substitute House Bill No.

(21)5350 "Disqualifying conviction" means a conviction within the last ten years which has not been the subject of an absolute pardon under the provisionsofsection54-130a,or anequivalentpardonprocessunder the lawsofanother state orthefederalgovernment,for anoffense under (A) section 53a-276, 53a-277 or 53a-278, (B) section 53a-291, 53a-292 or 53a- 293, (C) section 53a-215, (D) section 53a-138 or 53a-139, (E) section 53a- 142a, (F) sections 53a-147 to 53a-162, inclusive, (G) sections 53a-125c to 53a-125f, inclusive, (H) section 53a-129b, 53a-129c or 53a-129d, (I) subsection(b) ofsection12-737,(J)section53a-48or 53a-49,iftheoffense which is attempted or is an object of the conspiracy is an offense under the statutes listed in subparagraphs (A) to (I), inclusive, of this subdivision, or (K) the law of any other state or of the federal government, if the offense on which such conviction is based is defined by elements that substantially include the elements of an offense under the statutes listed in subparagraphs (A) to (J), inclusive, of this subdivision;

(25) "Equity" and "equitable" means efforts, regulations, policies, sHB5350programs, /standards, Fileprocesses and any other functions of government or principles of law and governance intended to (A) identify and remedy past and present patterns of discrimination and disparities of race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation, (B) ensure that such patterns of discrimination and disparities, whether intentional or unintentional, are neither reinforced nor perpetuated, and (C) prevent Public Act No.

71626-8 sHB535072 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 programs, standards, processes and any other functions of government or principles of law and governance intended to (A) identify and remedy past and present patterns of discrimination and disparities of race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation, (B) ensure that such patterns of discrimination and disparities, whether intentional or unintentional, are neither reinforced nor perpetuated, and (C) prevent the emergence and persistence of foreseeable future patterns of discrimination or disparities of race, ethnicity, gender and sexual orientation;

(30) "Grow space" means the portion of a premises owned and controlled by a producer, cultivator or micro-cultivator that is utilized for the cultivation, growing or propagation of the cannabis plant, and contains cannabis plants in an active stage of growth, measured starting sHB5350from /the Fileoutermost No.wall of the room containing cannabis plants and continuing around the outside of the room.

716"Grow sHB5350space" Filedoes not include space used to cure, process, store harvested cannabis or Public Act No.

71626-8 from73 the outermost wall of the232 roomSubstitute containingHouse cannabisBill plantsNo. and continuing around the outside of the room.

"Grow5350 space" does not include space used to cure, process, store harvested cannabis or manufacture cannabis once the cannabis has been harvested;

or (C) compliance manager, who is the individual sHB5350Public /Act File No.

71626-8 sHB535074 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 who reports to the president or chief officer and who is generally responsible for ensuring the cannabis establishment complies with all laws, regulations and requirements related to the operation of the cannabis establishment;

(41) "Paraphernalia" means drug paraphernalia, as defined in section 21a-240,Public asAct amendedNo. by this act;

sHB535026-8 /75 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 sHB535021a-240, Fileas No.amended by this act;

716 (42) "Person" means an individual, partnership, limited liability company, society, association, joint stock company, corporation, estate, receiver,trustee,assignee,referee or anyotherlegalentityandany other person acting in a fiduciary or representative capacity, whether appointed by a court or otherwise, and any combination thereof;

[(48)] (51) "Retailer" means a person, excluding a dispensary facility and hybrid retailer, that is licensed to purchase cannabis from producers, cultivators, micro-cultivators, product manufacturers and foodandbeveragePublic manufacturersandtoAct sellNo. cannabisto consumers and research programs;

[(49)]26-8 (52)76 "Sale"of or232 "sell"Substitute hasHouse theBill same meaning as provided in section sHB5350 / File No.

7165350 sHB5350foodandbeverage Filemanufacturersandto No.sell cannabisto consumers and research programs;

716[(49)] (52) "Sale" or "sell" has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-240, as amended by this act;

[(53)] (56) "Third-party lottery operator" means a person, or a constituent unit of the state system of higher education, that conducts lotteries pursuant to section 21a-420g, as amended by this act, identifies the cannabis establishment license applications for consideration without performing any review of the applications that are identified for consideration, and that has no direct or indirect oversight of or investment in a cannabis establishment or a cannabis establishment applicant;Public Act No.

26-8 77 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 applicant;

sHB5350[(56)] /(59) File"Transporter" No.means a person licensed to transport cannabis between cannabis establishments, cannabis testing laboratories and research programs;

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 [(56)] (59) "Transporter" means a person licensed to transport cannabis between cannabis establishments, cannabis testing laboratories and research programs;

(3)OneappointedbytheHouserankingmemberofthejointstandingPublic committeeAct ofNo. the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to consumer protection;

26-8 78 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 (3)OneappointedbytheHouserankingmemberofthejointstanding committee of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to consumer protection;

sHB5350(d) /All Fileinitial No.appointments to the working group shall be made not later than October 31, 2026.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 (d) All initial appointments to the working group shall be made not later than October 31, 2026.

(NEW) (Effective October 1, 2026) No retailer, hybrid retailer or dispensary facility shall borrow money or receive credit, directly or indirectly,Public inAct anyNo. form for a period in excess of thirty days from any cultivator, micro-cultivator or producer.

26-8 79 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 indirectly, in any form for a period in excess of thirty days from any cultivator, micro-cultivator or producer.

sHB5350(1) /An Fileelectronic No.recording device that electronically records video of such vehicle's interior at all times while such vehicle is used to deliver or transport cannabis;

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 (1) An electronic recording device that electronically records video of such vehicle's interior at all times while such vehicle is used to deliver or transport cannabis;

(NEW) (Effective October 1, 2026) Notwithstanding any provision of chapter 420f or 420h of the general statutes, no producer, cultivator or micro-cultivator engaged in the outdoor cultivation of cannabisPublic shallAct beNo. required to maintain a fence on the perimeter of the outdoor cannabis cultivation area that is more than eight feet in height.

26-8 80 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 cannabis shall be required to maintain a fence on the perimeter of the outdoor cannabis cultivation area that is more than eight feet in height.

sHB5350(3) /If Filethe No.cannabis samples taken from a cannabis batch fail the laboratory testing required under subdivision (1) of this subsection, the cannabis establishment that submitted the failing cannabis samples to the cannabis testing laboratory shall, not later than sixty days after the date of such failed laboratory testing:

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 (3) If the cannabis samples taken from a cannabis batch fail the laboratory testing required under subdivision (1) of this subsection, the cannabis establishment that submitted the failing cannabis samples to the cannabis testing laboratory shall, not later than sixty days after the date of such failed laboratory testing:

or (C) Dispose of the entire cannabis batch in accordance with procedures established by the commissioner and published on the department's Internet web site, unless the cannabis establishment submits to the department during such sixty-day period, and the commissioner approves, a request to extend the disposal period by sixty days.Public Act No.

26-8 81 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 days.

(A) Submit to the Department of Consumer Protection a remediation plan for the cannabis batch from which such failing cannabis samples were taken, in accordance with the provisions of subsection (c) of this sHB5350section; / File No.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 section;

(2)Public NotAct laterNo. than sixty days after the commissioner receives a remediation plan described in subdivision (1) of this subsection, the commissioner shall:

26-8 82 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 (2) Not later than sixty days after the commissioner receives a remediation plan described in subdivision (1) of this subsection, the commissioner shall:

sHB5350(4) /If Filethe No.commissioner approves the remediation plan under subdivision (2) of this subsection, or if such remediation plan is deemed approved under subdivision (3) of this subsection, the cannabis establishment shall remediate the cannabis batch from which the failing cannabis samples were taken and repeat all laboratory testing required under subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section in a form and manner approved by the commissioner;

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 (4) If the commissioner approves the remediation plan under subdivision (2) of this subsection, or if such remediation plan is deemed approved under subdivision (3) of this subsection, the cannabis establishment shall remediate the cannabis batch from which the failing cannabis samples were taken and repeat all laboratory testing required under subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of this section in a form and manner approved by the commissioner;

or (B) If the cannabis samples fail such repeated laboratory testing, the cannabisestablishment that submitted such failing cannabissamplesfor such repeated laboratory testing shall, not later than sixty days after the datePublic ofAct suchNo. failed repeated laboratory testing, dispose of such cannabis batch in accordance with procedures established by the commissioner and published on the department's Internet web site, unless the cannabis establishment submits to the department during such sixty- day period, and the commissioner approves, a request to extend the disposal period by an additional sixty days.

26-8 83 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 date of such failed repeated laboratory testing, dispose of such cannabis batch in accordance with procedures established by the commissioner and published on the department's Internet web site, unless the cannabis establishment submits to the department during such sixty- day period, and the commissioner approves, a request to extend the disposal period by an additional sixty days.

(4) "Immediate threat to public health and safety" includes, but is not limited to, (A) the presence of [(A)] (i) any cannabis or cannabis product sHB5350in /connection Filewith No.a violation of this section, [or (B)] (ii) any cigarette, tobacco product, electronic cigarette liquid, electronic nicotine delivery system, [or] liquid nicotine container or nicotine product stored or displayed adjacent or proximate to any cannabis or cannabis product or otherwise being sold unlawfully, (iii) any controlled substance in schedule I or II, (iv)any product offeredor soldfor human consumption that any federal, state or local government agency acting within the scope of its authority has deemed unsafe based on reports that such product has caused personal injury or illness, or (v) any unlawful firearm,or(B)anydocumentedsaleofanyproducttoanindividualwho is under the minimum age to purchase such product;

716Public sHB5350Act File No.

71626-8 in84 connection with a violation of this232 section,Substitute [orHouse (B)]Bill (ii)No. any cigarette, tobacco product, electronic cigarette liquid, electronic nicotine delivery system, [or] liquid nicotine container or nicotine product stored or displayed adjacent or proximate to any cannabis or cannabis product or otherwise being sold unlawfully, (iii) any controlled substance in schedule I or II, (iv)any product offeredor soldfor human consumption that any federal, state or local government agency acting within the scope of its authority has deemed unsafe based on reports that such product has caused personal injury or illness, or (v) any unlawful firearm,or(B)anydocumentedsaleofanyproducttoanindividualwho is under the minimum age to purchase such product;

5350 (5) "Liquid nicotine container" has the same meaning as provided in section 19a-342a, as amended by this act;

(c) No person except a delivery service, or an employee of a delivery service, subject to the restrictions set forth in section 21a-420z, as amended by this act, acting in the course of such employee's sHB5350employment, /may Filedeliver No.any cannabis or cannabis product to a consumer, qualifying patient or caregiver.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 employment, may deliver any cannabis or cannabis product to a consumer, qualifying patient or caregiver.

(e) (1) Any municipality may, by vote of its legislative body, prohibit the operation of any business within such municipality that is found to be in violation of the provisions of this section or if such operation poses anPublic immediateAct threatNo. to public health and safety.

26-8 85 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 an immediate threat to public health and safety.

sHB5350(4) /As Fileused No.in this subsection, "operation" and "operating" mean engaging in the sale of goods and services to the general public, including, but not limited to, through indirect retail sales.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 (4) As used in this subsection, "operation" and "operating" mean engaging in the sale of goods and services to the general public, including, but not limited to, through indirect retail sales.

(a)Public ThereAct isNo. established a Social Equity Council, which shall be within the Department of Economic and Community Development for administrative purposes only.

26-8 86 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 (a) There is established a Social Equity Council, which shall be within the Department of Economic and Community Development for administrative purposes only.

(6) One appointed by the minority leader of the Senate, who has a professional background of not less than five years in providing access sHB5350to /capital Fileto No.minorities, as defined in section 32-9n;

716(7) sHB5350Two Fileappointed by the chairperson of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus of the General Assembly, one of whom shall be designated by the chairperson of the Black Caucus of the General Assembly and one of Public Act No.

71626-8 to87 capitalof to232 minorities,Substitute asHouse definedBill inNo. section 32-9n;

(7)5350 Two appointed by the chairperson of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus of the General Assembly, one of whom shall be designated by the chairperson of the Black Caucus of the General Assembly and one of whom shall be designated by the chairperson of the Puerto Rican and Latino Caucus of the General Assembly;

(3) (A) The Governor shall appoint an interim executive director to operationalize and support the Social Equity Council until, sHB5350notwithstanding /the Fileprovisions No.of section 4-9a, the council appoints an executive director.

716Subject sHB5350to Filethe provisions of chapter 67, and within Public Act No.

71626-8 notwithstanding88 the provisions of section232 4-9a,Substitute theHouse councilBill appointsNo. an executive director.

Subject5350 to the provisions of chapter 67, and within available appropriations, the council may thereafter appoint an executive director andsuchother employeesasmay benecessary forthe discharge of the duties of the council.

(5) The chairperson and executive director shall jointly develop, and the council shall review and approve, (A) allocations of moneys in the socialequity andinnovationaccount establishedunder section21a-420f, for the purposes that the council determines under subsection (a) of section 21a-420f, further the principles of equity, and (B) any plans for expenditures to provide (i) access to capital for businesses, (ii) technical assistance for the start-up and operation of a business, (iii) funding for workforce education, (iv) funding for community investments, and (v) fundingPublic forAct investmentsNo. in disproportionately impacted areas.

sHB535026-8 /89 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 sHB5350funding Filefor No.investments in disproportionately impacted areas.

716 (d) A majority of the members of the Social Equity Council shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of any business.

(e) The Social Equity Council may (1) request, and shall receive, from any state agency such information and assistance as the council may require to carry out its duties, (2) use such funds as may be available from federal, state or other sources [and may] to carry out its duties, (3) enter into contracts or agreements to carry out [the purposes of the council] its duties, including, but not limited to, contracts or agreements with Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated, constituent units of the state system of higher education, regional workforce development boards and community development financial institutions, [(3)] (4) utilize such voluntary and uncompensated services of private individuals, state or federal agencies and organizations as may, from time to time, be offered and needed [, (4)] to carry out its duties, (5) accept any gift, donation or bequest [for the purpose of performing the] tocarryoutitsduties,[ofthecouncil,(5)](6)conductsuchinvestigations as the council may deem necessary to carry out its duties, providedsuch investigations concern matters, complaints or concerns that (A) are brought before the council by individuals who meet the criteria established in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subdivision (51) of section 21a-420,Public asAct amended by this act, and (B) relate to the protection, enforcement or advancement of equity under this chapter, (7) hold public hearings, [(6)] (8) establish such standing committees, as necessary, to [perform the] carry out its duties, [of the council,] and [(7)] sHB5350 / File No.

71626-8 sHB535090 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 21a-420, as amended by this act, and (B) relate to the protection, enforcement or advancement of equity under this chapter, (7) hold public hearings, [(6)] (8) establish such standing committees, as necessary, to [perform the] carry out its duties, [of the council,] and [(7)] (9) adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, as the council may deem necessary to carry out [the] its duties.

(3) Foreseeable long-term social, economic and familial consequences of unremedied past racial discrimination and disparities arising from past and continued cannabis prohibition, stigmatization and criminalization;Public Act No.

26-8 91 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 criminalization;

and sHB5350(5) /Any Fileother No.matters that the council deems relevant and feasible for study for the purpose of making reasonable and practical recommendations for the establishment of an equitable and lawful adult-use cannabis business sector in this state.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 (5) Any other matters that the council deems relevant and feasible for study for the purpose of making reasonable and practical recommendations for the establishment of an equitable and lawful adult-use cannabis business sector in this state.

(4) Establishing minimum criteria for any cannabis establishment licensedPublic onAct orNo. after January 1, 2022, to comply with an approved workforce development plan to reinvest or provide employment and training opportunities for individuals in disproportionately impacted areas;

26-8 92 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 licensed on or after January 1, 2022, to comply with an approved workforce development plan to reinvest or provide employment and training opportunities for individuals in disproportionately impacted areas;

sHB5350(6) /Recruiting Fileindividuals No.from communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition and enforcement to enrollintheworkforcetraining programestablishedpursuant to section 21a-421g;

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 (6) Recruiting individuals from communities that have been disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition and enforcement to enrollintheworkforcetraining programestablishedpursuant to section 21a-421g;

(i)(1)Not later thanAugust 1,2021,andannually thereafter untilJuly 31, 2023, the Social Equity Council shall use the most recent five-year United States Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates or any successor data to determine one or more United States census tracts in the state that are a disproportionately impacted area and shall publishPublic aAct listNo. of such tracts on the council's Internet web site.

26-8 93 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 publish a list of such tracts on the council's Internet web site.

In identifying which census tracts in this state are disproportionately impacted areas and preparing such list, sHB5350the /council Fileshall: No.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 the council shall:

If the Social Equity Council does not approve a workforce development plan for a cannabis establishment on or before July 1, 2025, the cannabis establishment shall submit a workforce development plan to the council not later than OctoberPublic 1,Act 2025,No. or sixty days prior to the next renewal date for such cannabis establishment's license, whichever is earlier.

26-8 94 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 October 1, 2025, or sixty days prior to the next renewal date for such cannabis establishment's license, whichever is earlier.

(k) (1) The Social Equity Council shall develop criteria for evaluating the ownership and control of any equity joint venture created under section 21a-420j, as amended by this act, 21a-420m, as amended by this act, 21a-420u, as amended by this act, 21a-420aa, as amended by this act, [21a-420bbb] 21a-420bb, as amended by this act, or [21a-420ccc] 21a- 420cc, as amended by this act, and shall review and approve or deny in writingsuchequityjointventurepriortosuchequityjointventurebeing sHB5350licensed /under Filesection No.21a-420j, as amended by this act, 21a-420m, as amended by this act, 21a-420u, as amended by this act, 21a-420aa, as amended by this act, [21a-420bbb] 21a-420bb, as amended by this act, or [21a-420ccc] 21a-420cc, as amended by this act.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 licensed under section 21a-420j, as amended by this act, 21a-420m, as amended by this act, 21a-420u, as amended by this act, 21a-420aa, as amended by this act, [21a-420bbb] 21a-420bb, as amended by this act, or [21a-420ccc] 21a-420cc, as amended by this act.

(2) No contract entered into or renewed on or after the effective date of this section shall provide that any change may be made in the ownership or control of any equity joint venture created under section 21a-420j, as amended by this act, 21a-420m, as amended by this act, 21a- 420u, as amended by this act, 21a-420aa, as amended by this act, 21a- 420bb, as amended by this act, or 21a-420cc, as amended by this act, that would cause such equity joint venture not to be controlled, and at least fifty per cent owned,by anindividualwho meetsthecriteriaestablished in subparagraphs (A) and (B) of subdivision (51) of section 21a-420, as amendedPublic byAct thisNo. act, unless:

26-8 95 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 amended by this act, unless:

sHB5350(C) /If Filethe No.council receives a written request submitted under subparagraph (B)(ii) of this subdivision, the council, not later than thirty days before the effective date of such change, (i) completes the optional nonfinancial review to determine (I) whether the individual described in subparagraph (B)(ii) of this subdivision has retained legal counsel to advise such individual regarding such change, understands the structure and implications of such change, understands the financial terms of such change, has engaged with such individual's business partners, if any, to ensure that such change is appropriate and consents to such change free of any coercion or undue pressure, and (II) whether such change complies with the organizational documents of the equity joint venture, and (ii) sends a written notice to the individual described in subparagraph (B)(ii) of this subdivision and the equity joint venture, in a form and manner prescribed by the council, disclosing the results of such optional nonfinancial review;

716and sHB5350(D) FileThe person acquiring ownership or control of the equity joint Public Act No.

71626-8 (C)96 If the council receives a written request submitted under subparagraph (B)(ii) of this232 subdivision,Substitute theHouse council,Bill notNo. later than thirty days before the effective date of such change, (i) completes the optional nonfinancial review to determine (I) whether the individual described in subparagraph (B)(ii) of this subdivision has retained legal counsel to advise such individual regarding such change, understands the structure and implications of such change, understands the financial terms of such change, has engaged with such individual's business partners, if any, to ensure that such change is appropriate and consents to such change free of any coercion or undue pressure, and (II) whether such change complies with the organizational documents of the equity joint venture, and (ii) sends a written notice to the individual described in subparagraph (B)(ii) of this subdivision and the equity joint venture, in a form and manner prescribed by the council, disclosing the results of such optional nonfinancial review;

and5350 (D) The person acquiring ownership or control of the equity joint venture from the individual described in subparagraph (B)(ii) of this subdivision has paid to the council, in a form and manner prescribed by thecouncil, (i)a nonrefundabletransactionprocessing feein theamount of eight thousand dollars, which the council shall deposit in the social equity and innovation account established under section 21a-420f, and (ii)theoutstandingbalanceofallloansissuedtotheequityjointventure, or the individual described in subparagraph (B)(ii) of this subdivision, as part of the revolving loan program established pursuant to section 21a-421i.

(l) The Social Equity Council shall, upon receipt of funds from producers in accordance with subdivision (5) of subsection (b) of section sHB535021a-420l, /as Fileamended No.by this act, develop a program to assist social equity applicants to open not more than two micro-cultivator establishment businesses in total.

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 21a-420l, as amended by this act, develop a program to assist social equity applicants to open not more than two micro-cultivator establishment businesses in total.

(2)Public (A)Act EachNo. licensed cannabis establishment shall (i) maintain an active social equity plan at all times while such cannabis establishment is in operation, and (ii) not later than March [1, 2026, and annually thereafter] first, annually, submit to the council a report disclosing the impact such social equity plan had on the disproportionately impacted area in which such cannabis establishment is located during the preceding calendar year.

26-8 97 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 (2) (A) Each licensed cannabis establishment shall (i) maintain an active social equity plan at all times while such cannabis establishment is in operation, and (ii) not later than March [1, 2026, and annually thereafter] first, annually, submit to the council a report disclosing the impact such social equity plan had on the disproportionately impacted area in which such cannabis establishment is located during the preceding calendar year.

(n) The Social Equity Council shall approve the amounts, grantees sHB5350and /purposes Fileof No.any grants made by the council from the social equity and innovation account or the Cannabis Social Equity and Innovation Fund, established under section 21a-420f, and any contract executed by and between the council and a grant maker shall require that the amounts, grantees and purposes of any subgrants made by such grant maker shall be approved by the council.

716(o) sHB5350Not Filelater than [July 1, 2024, and quarterly thereafter] the first days of January, April, July and October for the preceding calendar quarter, the Social Equity Council shall prepare and submit a quarterly report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the Governor, the speaker of the House of Representatives, the president pro tempore of the Senate, the majority leader of the House of Representatives, the Public Act No.

71626-8 and98 purposes of any232 grantsSubstitute madeHouse byBill theNo. council from the social equity and innovation account or the Cannabis Social Equity and Innovation Fund, established under section 21a-420f, and any contract executed by and between the council and a grant maker shall require that the amounts, grantees and purposes of any subgrants made by such grant maker shall be approved by the council.

(o)5350 Not later than [July 1, 2024, and quarterly thereafter] the first days of January, April, July and October for the preceding calendar quarter, the Social Equity Council shall prepare and submit a quarterly report, in accordance with the provisions of section 11-4a, to the Governor, the speaker of the House of Representatives, the president pro tempore of the Senate, the majority leader of the House of Representatives, the majority leader of the Senate, the minority leader of the House of Representatives, the minority leader of the Senate, [and] the joint standing committees of the General Assembly having cognizance of matters relating to appropriations and consumer protection and the chairperson of the Black and Puerto Rican Caucus of the General Assembly.

(F) all expenditures made to fund community investment grants, the amounts, grantees and purposes of such grants and, if any of such grants were made to a grant maker, the amounts, sHB5350grantees /and Filepurposes No.of any subgrants made by such grant maker;

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 grantees and purposes of any subgrants made by such grant maker;

and (2) The status of the council's performance of the council's responsibilitiesPublic inAct theNo. licensing process under RERACA, including, but notlimitedto:(A)Thenumberofapplicationsforsocialequityapplicant status, social equity plans and workforce development plans pending before the council, categorized into the number of applications, social equity plans and workforce development plans pending before the council for (i) less than thirty days, (ii) at least thirty days but less than sixty days, (iii) at least sixty days but less than ninety days, and (iv) at least ninety days;

26-8 99 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 responsibilities in the licensing process under RERACA, including, but notlimitedto:(A)Thenumberofapplicationsforsocialequityapplicant status, social equity plans and workforce development plans pending before the council, categorized into the number of applications, social equity plans and workforce development plans pending before the council for (i) less than thirty days, (ii) at least thirty days but less than sixty days, (iii) at least sixty days but less than ninety days, and (iv) at least ninety days;

(B) all expenditures the council plans to make to fund community investment grants, the amounts, grantees sHB5350and /purposes Fileof No.such grants and, if any of such grants are to be made to a grant maker, the amounts, grantees and purposes of any subgrants to be made by such grant maker;

716 sHB5350 File No.

716 and purposes of such grants and, if any of such grants are to be made to a grant maker, the amounts, grantees and purposes of any subgrants to be made by such grant maker;

and (2)Public TheAct statusNo. of the council's performance of the council's responsibilities in the licensing process under RERACA, including, but not limited to, the following information for the date of such report:

26-8 100 of 232 Substitute House Bill No.

5350 (2) The status of the council's performance of the council's responsibilities in the licensing process under RERACA, including, but not limited to, the following information for the date of such report:

sHB5350(s) /The Filecouncil No.shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to implement the provisions of subsection (k) of this section and subsection (a) of section 21a-420g, as amended by this act.

716Notwithstanding sHB5350the Filerequirements of sections 4-168 to 4-172, inclusive, in order to implement the provisions of subsection (k) of this Public Act No.

71626-8 (s)101 The council shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter232 54,Substitute toHouse implementBill theNo. provisions of subsection (k) of this section and subsection (a) of section 21a-420g, as amended by this act.

Notwithstanding5350 the requirements of sections 4-168 to 4-172, inclusive, in order to implement the provisions of subsection (k) of this section and subsection (a) of section 21a-420g, as amended by this act, prior to adopting such regulations the council shall, not later than October 1, 2026, issue policies and procedures to implement the provisions of subsection (k) of this section and subsection (a) of section 21a-420g, as amended by this act, that shall have the force and effect of law.

(e) The Social Equity Council may (1) request, and shall receive, from any state agency such information and assistance as the council may require to carry out its duties, (2) use such funds as may be available from federal, state or other sources to carry out its duties, (3) enter into contractsor agreementsto carryout itsduties,including,but not limited to, contracts or agreements with Connecticut Innovations, Incorporated, sHB5350constituent /units Fileof the state system of higher education, regional workforce development boards and community development financial Public Act No.

71626-8 sHB5350102 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 constituent units of the state system of higher education, regional workforce development boards and community development financial institutions, (4) utilize such voluntary and uncompensated services of private individuals, state or federal agencies and organizations as may, from time to time, be offered and needed to carry out its duties, (5) accept any gift, donation or bequest to carry out its duties, (6) conduct such investigations as the council may deem necessary to carry out its duties, provided such investigations concern matters, complaints or concerns that (A) are brought before the council by individuals who meetthecriteriaestablishedinsubparagraphs(A)and(B)ofsubdivision [(51)] (54) of section 21a-420, as amended by this act, and (B) relate to the protection, enforcement or advancement of equity under this chapter, (7) hold public hearings, (8) establish such standing committees, as necessary, to carry out its duties, and (9) adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, as the council may deem necessary to carry out its duties.

(2) Historical and present-day structures, patterns, causes and sHB5350Public /Act File No.

71626-8 sHB5350103 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 consequences of intentional and unintentional racial discrimination and racial disparities in the development, application and enforcement of cannabis prohibition and related public policies;

(3)Public ProvidingAct for expedited or priority license processing for each sHB5350 / File No.

71626-8 sHB5350104 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 (3) Providing for expedited or priority license processing for each license as a retailer, hybrid retailer, cultivator, micro-cultivator, product manufacturer, food and beverage manufacturer, product packager, transporter and delivery service license for social equity applicants;

(i)(1)NotPublic laterAct thanAugust 1,2021,andannually thereafter untilJuly 31, 2023, the Social Equity Council shall use the most recent five-year United States Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates sHB5350 / File No.

71626-8 sHB5350105 Fileof 232 Substitute House Bill No.

7165350 (i)(1)Not later thanAugust 1,2021,andannually thereafter untilJuly 31, 2023, the Social Equity Council shall use the most recent five-year United States Census Bureau American Community Survey estimates or any successor data to determine one or more United States census tracts in the state that are a disproportionately impacted area and shall publish a list of such tracts on the council's Internet web site.

(j) After developing criteria for workforce development plans as described in subdivision (4) of subsection (h) of this section, the Social EquityPublic CouncilAct shallNo. review and approve or deny in writing any such plan submitted by an applicant for a final license.

If26-8 the106 Socialof Equity232 CouncilSubstitute doesHouse notBill approve a workforce development plan for a cannabis establishment on or before July 1, 2025, the cannabis establishment shall submit a workforce development plan to the council not later than October 1, 2025, or sixty days prior to the next renewal date for such sHB5350 / File No.

7165350 sHB5350Equity FileCouncil No.shall review and approve or deny in writing any such plan submitted by an applicant for a final license.

716If the Social Equity Council does not approve a workforce development plan for a cannabis establishment on or before July 1, 2025, the cannabis establishment shall submit a workforce development plan to the council not later than October 1, 2025, or sixty days prior to the next renewal date for such cannabis establishment's license, whichever is earlier.