Candelora Supports Legislation Aimed at Improving Safety in Retail Cannabis Market

HARTFORD—House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora on Tuesday voted for legislation that includes Republican initiatives to improve safety in the retail marijuana market. The bill, H.B. 6699, An Act Concerning Cannabis Regulation, bolsters packaging, labeling and health warning requirements for cannabis products. Additionally, the legislation crucially bans the sale of synthetic THC products that are often found outside of state-licensed dispensaries. "I didn't support the original legislation that commercialized marijuana due to the risks it posed to public safety—particularly the well-being of children," House Republican Leader Vincent Candelora said.  "I highlighted these concerns again during a news conference at the start of the year, when my Republican colleagues and I offered priority proposals to add more regulation to the market. I'm glad that Democrats who previously endorsed retail sales have recognized problems and are willing to work with us to fix them." The bill, which passed the House of Representatives with overwhelming bipartisan support, sets new standards for the amount of THC that can be in manufactured hemp products. The retail cannabis market was approved by the General Assembly in June 2021 and was officially launched in early January of this year. Candelora, a nationally-recognized advocate for prioritizing public health and safety concerns in the state's yearslong marijuana debate, said Connecticut's landscape will continue to evolve. "These are important changes, and I'm certain that the legislature will be making similar adjustments year after year given the rapid proliferation of look-a-like synthetic THC products that are sold at gas stations or convenience stores to children who, considering the spike in poison control calls we've seen, don't understand the potency of what they're ingesting," he said. "We're just not going to be able to get this genie back into its bottle." The bill approved Tuesday in the House awaits action in the State Senate. Candelora represents the 86th Assembly District serving residents of North Branford, Durham, East Haven, and Guilford.