reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-420j. - Creation of equity joint ventures by cultivator. Requirements. Limitations. Fees.

(a) A cultivator licensed under section 21a-420o may create not more than two equity joint ventures to be approved by the Social Equity Council under section 21a-420d, and licensed by the department under this section. The equity joint venture shall be in any cannabis establishment licensed business, other than a cultivator license.
(b) The equity joint venture applicant shall submit an application to the Social Equity Council that may include, but need not be limited to, evidence of business formation, ownership allocation, terms of ownership and financing and proof of social equity status. The equity joint venture applicant shall submit to the Social Equity Council information including, but not limited to, the organizing documents of the entity that outline the ownership stake of each backer, initial backer investment and payout information to enable the council to determine the terms of ownership.
(c) Upon obtaining the written approval of the Social Equity Council for an equity joint venture, the equity joint venture applicant shall apply for a license from the department in the same form as required by all other licensees of the same license type, except that such application shall not be subject to the lottery.
(d) A cultivator licensed under section 21a-420o, including the backer of such cultivator, shall not increase its ownership in an equity joint venture in excess of fifty per cent during the seven-year period after a license is issued by the department under this section.
(e) Equity joint ventures that share a common cultivator or cultivator backer shall not be located within twenty miles of another commonly owned equity joint venture.
(f) An equity joint venture applicant shall pay fifty per cent of the amount of any applicable fee specified in subsection (c) of section 21a-420e for the first three renewal cycles of the applicable cannabis establishment license applied for, and shall pay the full amount of such fee thereafter.
(P.A. 22-103, S. 5.)
History: P.A. 22-103 effective May 24, 2022.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-420m. - Creation of equity joint ventures by producer. Requirements. Fee.

(a) In order to pay a reduced license expansion authorization fee as described in subsection (b) of section 21a-420l, a producer shall commit to create two equity joint ventures to be approved by the Social Equity Council under section 21a-420d and licensed by the department under this section.
(b) The equity joint venture shall be in any cannabis establishment licensed business, other than a cultivator license, provided the social equity applicant shall own at least fifty per cent of such business.
(c) The producer or social equity applicant of an equity joint venture shall submit an application to the Social Equity Council that may include, but need not be limited to, evidence of business formation, ownership allocation, terms of ownership and financing and proof of social equity applicant involvement. The producer or social equity applicant of an equity joint venture shall submit to the Social Equity Council information including, but not limited to, the organizing documents of the entity that outline the ownership stake of each backer, initial backer investment and payout information to enable the council to determine the terms of ownership.
(d) Upon obtaining the written approval of the Social Equity Council for an equity joint venture, the producer or social equity applicant of the equity joint venture shall apply for a license from the department in the same form as required by all other licensees of the same license type, except that such application shall not be subject to the lottery.
(e) A producer, including the backer of such producer, shall not increase its ownership in an equity joint venture in excess of fifty per cent during the seven-year period after a license is issued by the department under this section.
(f) Equity joint ventures that share a common producer or producer backer and that are retailers or hybrid retailers shall not be located within twenty miles of another commonly owned equity joint venture.
(g) If a producer had paid a reduced conversion fee as described in subsection (b) of section 21a-420
l
, and subsequently did not create two equity joint ventures under this section, the producer shall be liable for the full conversion fee of three million dollars.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 27.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-420n. - Cultivator license.

(a) On and after July 1, 2021, the department may issue or renew a license for a person to be a cultivator. No person may act as a cultivator or represent that such person is a licensed cultivator unless such person has obtained a license from the department pursuant to this section.
(b) A cultivator is authorized to cultivate, grow and propagate cannabis at an establishment containing not less than fifteen thousand square feet of grow space, provided such cultivator complies with the provisions of any regulations adopted under section 21a-420q concerning grow space. A cultivator establishment shall meet physical security controls and protocols set forth and required by the commissioner.
(c) A cultivator may label, manufacture, package and perform extractions on any cannabis cultivated, grown or propagated at its licensed establishment, including food and beverage products incorporating cannabis and cannabis concentrates, provided the cultivator meets all licensure and application requirements for a food and beverage manufacturer and a product manufacturer.
(d) A cultivator may sell, transfer or transport its cannabis to a dispensary facility, hybrid retailer, retailer, food and beverage manufacturer, product manufacturer, research program, laboratory or product packager utilizing its own employees or a transporter. A cultivator shall not sell, transfer or deliver to consumers, qualifying patients or caregivers, directly or through a delivery service.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 48.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-420o. - Provisional cultivator license for social equity applicants. Final license for facility in disproportionately impacted area.

(a) Thirty days after the Social Equity Council posts the criteria for social equity applicants on its Internet web site, the department shall open up a three-month application period for cultivators during which a social equity applicant may apply to the department for a provisional cultivator license and final license for a cultivation facility located in a disproportionately impacted area without participating in a lottery or request for proposals. Such application for a provisional license shall be granted upon (1) verification by the Social Equity Council that the applicant meets the criteria for a social equity applicant; (2) the applicant submitting to and passing a criminal background check; and (3) payment of a three-million-dollar fee to be deposited in the Social Equity and Innovation Fund established in section 21a-420f. Upon granting such provisional license, the department shall notify the applicant of the project labor agreement requirements of section 21a-421e.
(b) To obtain a final cultivator license under this section, the social equity applicant shall provide evidence of (1) a contract with an entity providing an approved electronic tracking system as described in section 21a-421n; (2) a right to exclusively occupy a location in a disproportionately impacted area at which the cultivation facility will be located; (3) any necessary local zoning approval and permits for the cultivation facility; (4) a business plan; (5) a social equity plan approved by the Social Equity Council; (6) written policies for preventing diversion and misuse of cannabis and sales of cannabis to underage persons; and (7) blueprints of the facility and all other security requirements of the department.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 149.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-420q. - Regulations re maximum grow space. Policies and procedures.

The commissioner shall adopt regulations, in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54, to establish the maximum grow space permitted by a cultivator and micro-cultivator. In adopting such regulations, the commissioner shall seek to ensure an adequate supply of cannabis for the market. Notwithstanding the requirements of sections 4-168 to 4-172, inclusive, in order to effectuate this section, prior to adopting such regulations, the commissioner shall issue policies and procedures to implement the provisions of this section that shall have the force and effect of law. The commissioner shall 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. Any such policy or procedure shall no longer be effective upon the earlier of either the adoption of the policy or procedure as a final regulation under section 4-172 or forty-eight months from July 1, 2021, if such regulations have not been submitted to the legislative regulation review committee for consideration under section 4-170.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 37.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-420r. - Retailer license.

(a) On and after July 1, 2021, the department may issue or renew a license for a person to be a retailer. No person may act as a retailer or represent that such person is a retailer unless such person has obtained a license from the department pursuant to this section.
(b) A retailer may obtain cannabis from a cultivator, micro-cultivator, producer, product packager, food and beverage manufacturer, product manufacturer or transporter or an undeliverable return from a delivery service. A retailer may sell, transport or transfer cannabis or cannabis products to a delivery service, laboratory or research program. A retailer may sell cannabis to a consumer or research program. A retailer may not conduct sales of medical marijuana products nor offer discounts or other inducements to qualifying patients or caregivers. A retailer shall not gift or transfer cannabis at no cost to a consumer as part of a commercial transaction.
(c) Retailers shall maintain a secure location, in a manner approved by the commissioner, at the licensee's premises where cannabis that is unable to be delivered by an employee or delivery service may be returned to the retailer. Such secure cannabis return location shall meet specifications set forth by the commissioner and published on the department's Internet web site or included in regulations adopted by the department.
(d) A retailer may deliver cannabis through a delivery service or by utilizing its own employees, subject to the provisions of subsection (b) of section 21a-420c.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 41.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-420v. - Denial of change of location application of dispensary facility or hybrid retailer authorized.

(a) Until June 30, 2023, the commissioner may deny a change of location application from a dispensary facility or hybrid retailer based on the needs of qualifying patients.
(b) Prior to June 30, 2022, the commissioner shall not approve the relocation of a dispensary facility or hybrid retailer to a location that is further than ten miles from its current dispensary facility or hybrid retailer location.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 50.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-420w. - Food and beverage manufacturer license.

(a) On and after July 1, 2021, the department may issue or renew a license for a person to be a food and beverage manufacturer. No person may act as a food and beverage manufacturer or represent that such person is a licensed food and beverage manufacturer unless such person has obtained a license from the department pursuant to this section.
(b) A food and beverage manufacturer may incorporate cannabis into foods or beverages as an ingredient. A food and beverage manufacturer shall not perform extraction of cannabis into a cannabis concentrate nor create any product that is not a food or beverage intended to be consumed by humans.
(c) A food and beverage manufacturer may package or label any food or beverage prepared by the food and beverage manufacturer at the establishment subject to the license.
(d) A food and beverage manufacturer may sell, transfer or transport its own products to a cannabis establishment, laboratory or research program, utilizing its employees or a transporter. A food and beverage manufacturer may not deliver any cannabis, cannabis products or food or beverage incorporating cannabis to a consumer, directly or through a delivery service.
(e) All products created by a food and beverage manufacturer shall be labeled in accordance with the policies and procedures issued by the commissioner to implement, and any regulations adopted pursuant to, RERACA as well as federal Food and Drug Administration and United States Department of Agriculture requirements.
(f) A food and beverage manufacturer shall ensure all equipment utilized for manufacturing, processing and packaging cannabis is sanitary and inspected regularly to deter the adulteration of cannabis in accordance with RERACA as well as federal Food and Drug Administration and United States Department of Agriculture requirements.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 44.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-420x. - Product manufacturer license.

(a) On and after July 1, 2021, the department may issue or renew a license for a person to be a product manufacturer. No person may act as a product manufacturer or represent that such person is a licensed product manufacturer unless such person has obtained a license from the department pursuant to this section.
(b) A product manufacturer may perform cannabis extractions, chemical synthesis and all other manufacturing activities authorized by the commissioner and published on the department's Internet web site.
(c) A product manufacturer may package and label cannabis manufactured at its establishment subject to the license.
(d) A product manufacturer may sell, transfer or transport its own products to a cannabis establishment, laboratory or research program, provided such transportation is performed by utilizing its own employees or a transporter. A product manufacturer may not deliver any cannabis to a consumer directly or through a delivery service.
(e) All products created by a product manufacturer shall be labeled in accordance with the policies and procedures issued by the commissioner to implement, and any regulations adopted pursuant to, RERACA as well as federal Food and Drug Administration requirements.
(f) A product manufacturer shall ensure all equipment utilized for manufacturing, extracting, processing and packaging cannabis is sanitary and inspected regularly to deter the adulteration of cannabis in accordance with RERACA as well as federal Food and Drug Administration requirements.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 45.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-420y. - Product packager license.

(a) On and after July 1, 2021, the department may issue or renew a license for a person to be a product packager. No person may act as a product packager or represent that such person is a product packager unless such person has obtained a license from the department pursuant to this section.
(b) A product packager may obtain cannabis from a producer, cultivator, micro-cultivator, food and beverage manufacturer or a product manufacturer. The product packager may sell, transfer or transport cannabis to any cannabis establishment, laboratory or research program, provided the product packager only transports cannabis packaged at its licensed establishment and utilizing its own employees or a transporter.
(c) A product packager shall be responsible for ensuring that cannabis products are labeled and packaged in compliance with the provisions of RERACA and the policies and procedures issued by the commissioner to implement, and any regulations adopted pursuant to, RERACA.
(d) A product packager shall ensure all equipment utilized for processing and packaging cannabis is sanitary and inspected regularly to deter the adulteration of cannabis.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 46.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421. - Age requirement to hold license or be backer or key employee of cannabis establishment. Registration and licensure requirements.

(a) Any person shall be twenty-one years of age or older to: (1) Hold any cannabis establishment license issued pursuant to RERACA; or (2) be a backer or key employee of a cannabis establishment that is licensed pursuant to RERACA.
(b) Any person shall be eighteen years of age or older to (1) be an employee of a cannabis establishment that is licensed pursuant to RERACA; or (2) be employed by a cannabis establishment or a licensee pursuant to chapter 420f.
(c) All employees of a cannabis establishment shall obtain a registration and all key employees and backers of a cannabis establishment shall obtain a license from the department, on a form and in a manner prescribed by the commissioner, except for (1) delivery service or transporter employees who do not (A) engage in the transport, storage or distribution of, or have access to, cannabis, or (B) engage in security controls or contract management with other cannabis establishments; (2) product packager employees who do not (A) have access to cannabis, or (B) engage in physical packaging, security controls or contract management with other cannabis establishments; and (3) other employee categories, as determined by the commissioner, provided under no circumstances shall a key employee be exempt from the licensure requirements of this section.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 24.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421a. - Registration requirement for employees of cannabis establishment, laboratory or research program. Licensure requirement for backers and key employees. Application requirements. Notice requirements. Regulations.

(a) Each employee of a cannabis establishment, laboratory or research program, other than a key employee, shall annually apply for and obtain a registration, on a form and in a manner prescribed by the commissioner, prior to commencing employment at the cannabis establishment business.
(b) No person shall act as a backer or key employee, or represent that such person is a backer or key employee, unless such person has obtained a license from the department pursuant to this subsection. Such person shall apply for a license on a form and in a manner prescribed by the commissioner. Such form may require the applicant to: (1) Submit to a state and national criminal history records check conducted in accordance with section 29-17a, which may include a financial history check if requested by the commissioner, to determine the character and fitness of the applicant for the license, (2) provide information sufficient for the department to assess whether the applicant has an ownership interest in any other cannabis establishment, cannabis establishment applicant or cannabis-related business nationally or internationally, (3) provide demographic information, and (4) obtain such other information as the department determines is consistent with the requirements of RERACA or chapter 420f. A backer or key employee shall be denied a license in the event his or her background check reveals a disqualifying conviction.
(c) Except as provided in subsection (d) of this section, any person who receives a cannabis establishment license, backer or key employee license or employee registration issued pursuant to subsection (a) of this section shall notify the department, in writing, of any changes to the information supplied on the application for such license or registration not later than five business days after such change.
(d) Any person who receives a cannabis establishment license or backer or key employee license shall notify the department, in a manner prescribed by the department, of any arrest or conviction of such person for an offense that would constitute a disqualifying conviction, as defined in section 21a-420, not later than forty-eight hours after such arrest or conviction.
(e) The department may adopt regulations in accordance with the provisions of chapter 54 to implement the provisions of this section, or may adopt policies and procedures as set forth in section 21a-421j, prior to adopting such final regulations.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 29.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421b. - Criminal history records checks required for licensure. Fees.

(a) On and after July 1, 2021, the commissioner shall require all individuals listed on an application for a cannabis establishment license, laboratory or research program license, or key employee license to submit to fingerprint-based state and national criminal history records checks before such license is issued. The criminal history records checks required pursuant to this subsection shall be conducted in accordance with section 29-17a. Upon renewal, the commissioner may require all individuals listed on an application for a cannabis establishment license, laboratory or research program license, or key employee license to be fingerprinted and submit to a state and national criminal history records check conducted in accordance with section 29-17a before such renewal license is issued.
(b) The department shall charge the applicant a fee equal to the amount charged to the department to conduct a state and national criminal history records check of the applicant.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 30.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421c. - Third-party background checks for backer or key employee license applications.

Notwithstanding the provisions of sections 21a-421a and 21a-421b, the commissioner may accept a third-party local and national criminal background check submitted by an applicant for a backer or key employee license or renewal in lieu of a fingerprint-based national criminal history records check. Any such third-party background check shall (1) be conducted by a third-party consumer reporting agency or background screening company that is in compliance with the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act and accredited by the Professional Background Screening Association, and (2) include a multistate and multi-jurisdiction criminal record locator or other similar commercial nation-wide database with validation, and other such background screening as the commissioner may require. The applicant shall request such background check not more than sixty days prior to submission of the application.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 31.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421e. - Project labor agreement required. Civil action for enforcement. Penalty.

(a) As used in this section, “project labor agreement” means an agreement between a subcontractor or contractor and a cannabis establishment that: (1) Binds all contractors and subcontractors on the covered project to the project labor agreement through the inclusion of specifications in all relevant solicitation provisions and contract documents; (2) allows all contractors and subcontractors to compete for contracts and subcontracts on the project without regard to whether they are otherwise parties to collective bargaining agreements; (3) establishes uniform terms and conditions of employment for all construction labor employed on the projects; (4) guarantees against strikes, lockouts and similar job disruptions; (5) sets forth mutually binding procedures for resolving labor disputes arising during the project labor agreement; and (6) includes any other provisions as negotiated by the parties to promote successful delivery of the covered project; and “employee organization” means any lawful association, labor organization, federation or council having as a primary purpose the improvement of wages, hours and other conditions of employment for employees of cannabis establishments.
(b) A project for the construction or renovation of any facility for the operation of a cannabis establishment in an amount of five million dollars or greater shall be the subject of a project labor agreement between the contractors and subcontractors of such project and the cannabis establishment. A contractor, subcontractor or employee organization may enforce the provisions of this section or seek remedies for noncompliance with a project labor agreement entered into under this section by commencing a civil action in the Superior Court in the judicial district where the cannabis establishment project is located. The court, after hearing, may order penalties of not more than ten thousand dollars per day for each violation of the project labor agreement by the cannabis establishment. A failure of a cannabis establishment to comply with the provisions of this section shall not be the basis for any administrative action by the Department of Consumer Protection.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 12-1, S. 103.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421f. - Cannabis business accelerator program.

(a) The Social Equity Council, in coordination with the Departments of Consumer Protection and Economic and Community Development, shall develop a cannabis business accelerator program to provide technical assistance to participants by partnering participants with a cannabis establishment. The Social Equity Council may partner with a constituent unit of the state system of higher education in developing the program.
(b) Any individual who would qualify as a social equity applicant may apply to participate in the accelerator program under this section.
(c) On and after October 1, 2021, the Social Equity Council may accept applications from an individual described in subsection (b) of this section for the component of the accelerator program corresponding to each of the following license types: (1) Retailer, (2) cultivator, (3) product manufacturer, (4) food and beverage manufacturer, and (5) product packager.
(d) On and after July 1, 2022, the council may accept applications from (1) retailers, (2) cultivators, (3) product manufacturers, (4) food and beverage manufacturers, (5) product packagers, (6) hybrid-retailers, and (7) micro-cultivators, licensed pursuant to section 21a-420e, to partner with participants in the accelerator program component corresponding to the same license type, provided an accelerator retailer participant may be partnered with either a retailer or hybrid retailer and an accelerator cultivator participant may be partnered with either a cultivator or micro-cultivator.
(e) As part of the cannabis business accelerator program, accelerator participants may be required to participate in training on accounting methods, business services, how to access capital markets and financing opportunities and on regulatory compliance. Social equity applicants who have been awarded either a provisional license or a final license for a cannabis establishment may participate in the training programs made available under this section.
(f) The Social Equity Council shall facilitate opportunities for participants in the cannabis business accelerator program to meet with potential investors.
(g) A participant who has partnered with a cannabis establishment pursuant to subsection (d) of this section shall be allowed to participate in any activity of the cannabis establishment with the same privileges afforded by the cannabis establishment's license to employees of such cannabis establishment.
(h) Each participant shall annually apply for and obtain a registration, on a form and in a manner prescribed by the commissioner, prior to participating in any activity of a cannabis establishment. The Social Equity Council may charge a registration fee to participants.
(i) The Social Equity Council may determine the duration of the program and number of participants under this section.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 38.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective June 22, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421g. - Workforce training program for cannabis industry.

(a) The Social Equity Council, in coordination with the Department of Economic and Community Development and Labor Department, shall develop a workforce training program to further equity goals, ensure cannabis establishments have access to a well-trained employee applicant pool, and support individuals who live in a disproportionately impacted area to find employment in the cannabis industry.
(b) The Social Equity Council, in consultation with the Department of Economic and Community Development and Labor Department, shall:
(1) Consult with cannabis establishments on an ongoing basis to assess the hiring needs of their businesses;
(2) Develop a universal application for prospective enrollees in workforce training programs as part of the workforce training programs developed pursuant to this section;
(3) Partner with the regional workforce development boards and institutions of higher education to develop workforce training programs;
(4) Develop a series of cannabis career pathways so that workers have the ability to vertically advance their careers within the cannabis industry;
(5) Partner with associated training providers to track and report performance outcomes of participants entering a cannabis workforce training program. Performance outcomes shall include, but not be limited to, enrollment, completion and placement of each individual entering into a training program; and
(6) Explore the creation of a series of apprenticeship programs for cannabis workers across the state.
(c) Upon completion of a workforce training program, enrollees may opt to have their information provided to cannabis establishments as prospective employees.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 39.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective June 22, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421i. - Revolving loan program.

(a) As used in this section, “Social Equity Council”, “cannabis establishment” and “social equity applicant” have the same meanings as provided in section 21a-420.
(b) (1) The Department of Economic and Community Development and the Social Equity Council shall jointly develop and establish:
(A) A revolving loan program for the purposes of subdivision (1) of subsection (b) of section 21a-421h, including (i) requirements for loan eligibility under the program, (ii) an application form and the information and documentation required to be submitted with such application, (iii) the terms of the loans to be offered, including the rates of interest to be charged and the length of the loans, (iv) a plan for publicizing and marketing the program, and (v) any other requirements necessary to implement the program; and
(B) Application forms, applicant requirements and any other provisions the department and the council deem necessary for the purposes of subdivisions (2) to (4), inclusive, of subsection (b) of section 21a-421h.
(2) The department and the council shall post on the Internet web sites of the Department of Economic and Community Development and the Department of Consumer Protection information concerning the loan program and other available funding under this section.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 135.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421k. - Regulations to effectuate purposes of RERACA and protect public health and safety. Policies and procedures.

(a) The commissioner may adopt regulations in accordance with chapter 54, including emergency regulations pursuant to section 4-168, to implement the provisions of RERACA.
(b) Notwithstanding the requirements of sections 4-168 to 4-172, inclusive, in order to effectuate the purposes of RERACA and protect public health and safety, prior to adopting such regulations the commissioner shall implement policies and procedures to implement the provisions of RERACA that shall have the force and effect of law. The commissioner shall post all such 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. Any such policies and procedures shall no longer be effective upon the earlier of either adoption of such policies and procedures as a final regulation under section 4-172 or forty-eight months from June 22, 2021, if such regulations have not been submitted to the legislative regulation review committee for consideration under section 4-170.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 59.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective June 22, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421l. - Policies and procedures re cultivation, processing, manufacture, security, storage, inventory and distribution of cannabis required of cannabis establishments.

(a) Each cannabis establishment shall establish, maintain and comply with written policies and procedures for the cultivation, processing, manufacture, security, storage, inventory and distribution of cannabis, as applicable to the specific license type. Such policies and procedures shall include methods for identifying, recording and reporting diversion, theft or loss, and for correcting all errors and inaccuracies in inventories. Cannabis establishments shall include in their written policies and procedures a process for each of the following, if the establishment engages in such activity:
(1) Handling mandatory and voluntary recalls of cannabis. Such process shall be adequate to deal with recalls due to any order of the commissioner and any voluntary action by the cannabis establishment to remove defective or potentially defective cannabis from the market or any action undertaken to promote public health and safety by replacing existing cannabis with improved products or packaging;
(2) Preparing for, protecting against and handling any crisis that affects the security or operation of any facility used in the operation of a cannabis establishment in the event of a strike, fire, flood or other natural disaster, or other situations of local, state or national emergency;
(3) Ensuring that any outdated, damaged, deteriorated, misbranded or adulterated cannabis is segregated from all other inventory and destroyed. Such procedure shall provide for written documentation of the cannabis disposition; and
(4) Ensuring the oldest stock of a cannabis is sold, delivered or dispensed first. Such procedure may permit deviation from this requirement, if such deviation is temporary and approved by the commissioner.
(b) A cannabis establishment shall (1) store all cannabis in such a manner as to prevent diversion, theft or loss, (2) make cannabis accessible only to the minimum number of specifically authorized employees essential for efficient operation, and (3) return any cannabis to a secure location at the end of the scheduled business day.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 54.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421m. - (Note: This section is effective July 1, 2022.) Annual report by cannabis establishments re electricity usage.

Each cannabis establishment shall annually report publicly in a manner prescribed by the commissioner: (1) Its annual usage of electricity, and (2) what fraction of its electricity usage is generated from Class I Renewable Portfolio Standards produced in the state per the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative agreement. Each cannabis establishment shall purchase electricity generated from Class I Renewable Portfolio Standards produced in the states that are party to the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative agreement, to the greatest extent possible.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 62.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2022.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421q. - Purchase of cannabis by qualifying patients and caregivers.

(a) Qualifying patients and caregivers registered pursuant to chapter 420f shall be permitted to purchase cannabis of higher potency, varied dosage form, and in a larger per transaction or per day amount than are generally available for retail purchase, as determined by the commissioner. Such determination, if any, shall be published on the Department of Consumer Protection's Internet web site or included in regulations adopted by the department.
(b) Notwithstanding any provision of the general statutes, the sale or delivery of drug paraphernalia to a qualifying patient or caregiver or person licensed pursuant to the provisions of RERACA or chapter 420f, shall not be considered a violation of the provisions of RERACA.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 55.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421r. - Transmittal of dispensing information re cannabis sold to qualifying patient or caregiver.

A licensed pharmacist working as an employee at a dispensary facility or hybrid retailer shall transmit dispensing information, in a manner prescribed by the commissioner, on any cannabis sold to a qualifying patient or caregiver in real-time or immediately upon completion of the transaction, unless not reasonably feasible for a specific transaction, but in no case longer than one hour after completion of the transaction.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 82.)
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421aa. - Prohibitions on retailers and hybrid retailers. Prohibition re cannabis for animal use or consumption. Per-transaction limits. Prohibitions re cannabis plants, assignment or transfer of license or registration without approval and re transfers to or from outside the state.

(a) No cannabis retailer or hybrid retailer shall accept payment or other form of compensation directly or indirectly from a cultivator, micro-cultivator, producer, food and beverage manufacturer, product manufacturer or product packager to carry a cannabis product or for placement or promotion of such product in a retailer or hybrid retailer's establishment or through other promotional initiatives. No retailer or hybrid retailer shall enter into a contract with a cultivator, micro-cultivator, producer, food and beverage manufacturer, product manufacturer or product packager that requires or permits preferential treatment, exclusivity or near exclusivity or limits a retailer or hybrid retailer from purchasing from other cultivators, micro-cultivators, producers, food and beverage manufacturers or product manufacturers in any way.
(b) No cannabis establishment shall produce, manufacture or sell cannabis that is intended for use or consumption by animals.
(c) A retailer or hybrid retailer shall not knowingly sell to a consumer more than one ounce of cannabis or the equivalent amount of cannabis products or combination of cannabis and cannabis products, as set forth in subsection (i) of section 21a-279a, per day, except that a hybrid retailer or dispensary facility may sell up to five ounces of cannabis or the equivalent amount of cannabis products or combination of cannabis and cannabis products to a qualifying patient or caregiver per day. Notwithstanding the requirements of sections 4-168 to 4-172, inclusive, to avoid cannabis supply shortages or address a public health and safety concern, the commissioner may set temporary lower per-transaction limits, which shall be published on the department's Internet web site. Such limits shall become ineffective upon the commissioner's determination that a supply shortage or public health and safety concern no longer exists.
(d) No cannabis establishment, except a producer, cultivator or micro-cultivator, may acquire or possess a live cannabis plant.
(e) No person issued a license or registration pursuant to RERACA shall (1) assign or transfer such license or registration without the commissioner's prior approval, or (2) sell, transfer or transport cannabis to, or obtain cannabis from, a location outside of this state if such activity would be in violation of federal law.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 28.)
History: June Sp.Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421aaa. - Sale or delivery of cannabis or cannabis paraphernalia to person under twenty-one.

Any cannabis establishment licensee or any servant or agent of a licensee who sells or delivers cannabis or cannabis paraphernalia to any person under twenty-one years of age shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor. For purposes of this section, “paraphernalia” has the same meaning as provided in section 21a-420.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 105.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421bbb. - Inducement of person under twenty-one to procure cannabis.

Any person who induces any person under twenty-one years of age to procure cannabis from any person licensed to sell such cannabis shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor. The provisions of this section shall not apply to (1) the procurement of cannabis by a person over eighteen years of age who is an employee registered pursuant to the provisions of section 21a-421a where such procurement is made in the course of such person's employment or business, or (2) any such inducement in furtherance of an official investigation or enforcement activity conducted by a law enforcement agency. Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent any action from being taken against any person permitted to sell cannabis who has sold cannabis to a person under twenty-one years of age who is participating in an official investigation or enforcement activity conducted by a law enforcement agency.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 107.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421cc. - Prohibition re display of cannabis, cannabis products and drug paraphernalia by cannabis establishment.

No cannabis establishment shall display cannabis, cannabis products or drug paraphernalia in a manner that is visible to the general public from a public right-of-way not on state lands or waters managed by the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 53.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421ccc. - Possession of cannabis in dwelling unit or private property by person under twenty-one.

(a) No person having possession of, or exercising dominion and control over, any dwelling unit or private property shall: (1) Knowingly or recklessly permit any person under twenty-one years of age to possess cannabis in violation of section 21-279a, in such dwelling unit or on such private property, or (2) knowing that any person under twenty-one years of age possesses cannabis in violation of section 21-279a, in such dwelling unit or on such private property, fail to make reasonable efforts to halt such possession.
(b) Any person who violates the provisions of subsection (a) of this section shall be guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 109.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.
2023 Connecticut General Statutes › Title 21a - Consumer Protection › Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis › Section 21a-421dd. - Restrictions on activities of certain state employees or members involved in the regulation of cannabis. Restrictions on former state employees, members or legislators obtaining a cannabis establishment license.

(a) No member of the Social Equity Council and no employee of the Social Equity Council or department who carries out the licensing, inspection, investigation, enforcement or policy decisions authorized by RERACA, and any regulations enacted pursuant thereto, may, directly or indirectly, have any management or financial interest in the cultivation, manufacture, sale, transportation, delivery or testing of cannabis in this state, nor receive any commission or profit from nor have any interest in purchases or sales made by persons authorized to make such purchases or sales pursuant to RERACA. No provision of this section shall prevent any such member or employee from purchasing and keeping in his or her possession, for his or her personal use or the use of such member's or employee's family or guests, any cannabis which may be purchased or kept by any person by virtue of RERACA.
(b) No former member of the Social Equity Council and no former employee of the Social Equity Council or department described in subsection (a) of this section shall, within two years of leaving state service, be eligible to apply either individually or with a group of individuals for a cannabis establishment license.
(c) No member of the General Assembly or state-wide elected public official shall, within two years of leaving state service, be eligible to apply either individually or with a group of individuals for a cannabis establishment license.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 51.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021.