Delnicki: Cannabis Expansion Bill Ignores Risks Youth Safety

HARTFORD — State Representative Tom Delnicki (R–South Windsor) voted against massive cannabis expansion bill on Monday, warning it puts the public's safety and their health at risk.

“In South Windsor, residents have made it clear—we’ve rejected cannabis retail stores because we take youth safety and community impact seriously,” said Delnicki. “This bill moves in the opposite direction by expanding access and weakening safeguards that were put in place for a reason.”

Delnicki, a longtime ally of the Governor's Prevention Partnership, the statewide prevention organization to address underage drinking and substance use, emphasized the importance of prevention efforts and responsible policy.

"By increasing the potency limits in THC products and loosening marketing restrictions, Connecticut runs the risk of more youth drug dependency," said Rep. Delnicki. "I’ll continue working with prevention advocates to ensure we’re putting the health and safety of our kids and communities first.”

There are some of the provisions in House Bill 5350, An Act Concerning Cannabis, Hemp and Infused Beverage Regulation:

• Eliminating potency limits on cannabis flower and concentrates which he warned could lead to stronger, more dangerous products entering the market.
• Loosening packaging and branding restrictions, allowing colorful, logo-heavy designs that could appeal to minors.
• Increasing THC limits in infused beverages and permitting “tap room”-style sales which he said further normalizes cannabis consumption and blurs the line with alcohol.
• Allowing out-of-state patients and caregivers to purchase cannabis in Connecticut raising enforcement and regulatory concerns.
• Expanding retail access to palliative products and redefining hemp-derived cannabinoids in ways that could create loopholes in oversight.