Foncello, House Republicans Unveil Session Priorities for Cannabis Safety

HARTFORD – State Representative Martin Foncello (R-Brookfield) and House Republicans on Tuesday unveiled caucus proposals aimed at creating a safer environment surrounding the recreational use and retail sale of cannabis.

“I’d like to see a repeal of certain restrictions on cannabis-related stops and searches by police of motor vehicles. By not allowing law enforcement to use the odor of marijuana as a reasonable cause for a search, the legislation to legalize the recreational use of marijuana hampered a police officer’s ability to properly assess whether an individual is operating under the influence,” said Foncello.

The bill, H.B. 5434, will be subject of a General Law Committee public hearing.

“When it comes to daycare and school situations, ‘imminent risk of serious harm’ should specify that it includes a situation where a parent or guardian is visibly under the influence of cannabis and attempting to pick up and leave with their child. This would bring parity with alcohol-related laws,” said Foncello.

The bill from House Republicans proposes the following:

• Establishes a cap on the amount of THC present in a single serving and requires the disclosure of the concentration of THC present in each serving and a description of its potency
• Requires a label to be placed on the package of each consumer product stating cannabis use may be addictive, lead to birth defects, or cause psychosis
• Restricts licensed gasoline dealers from selling any product containing any form of THC
• Requires each cannabis retailer employ a certified budtender and that such budtender be present at such retailer during operating hours
• Prohibits cannabis consumption in locations where alcohol consumption is prohibited
• Repeals certain restrictions on cannabis-related stops and searches on persons and motor vehicles
• Specifies that “imminent risk of serious harm” includes a situation where a parent or guardian is visibly under the influence of cannabis and attempting to pick up and leave with their child from a school or day care
• Prohibits the sale of edible cannabis products
• Requires that cannabis products be sold in child-proof containers
• Requires the Department of Consumer Protection to:
  • Review and approve each cannabis product type and its dosage
  • Review cannabis tracking procedures in retail establishments and pharmacies
  • Designate retail cannabis as a schedule II-controlled substance
  • Specify that secondhand cannabis smoke is toxic to human health

Foncello urges members of the public to share their thoughts about H.B. 5434. For more information on how to testify, visit the committee’s web site at cga.ct.gov/gl