Posted on January 24, 2023
(HARTFORD) — State Representative Jason Perillo (R-113) joined House Republicans on Tuesday as they unveiled their caucus proposals aimed at creating a safer environment surrounding the recreational use and retail sale of cannabis.
“When it comes to our state’s fledgling cannabis marketplace, the umbrella message emanating from the Governor’s office is, unfortunately, one of shining positivity that in our opinion is at odds with the concerns of not just many residents, but also state mental health and addiction professionals who spend a lot of energy warning us all—and children in particular—about the drug’s dangers,” said Rep. Vincent Candelora (R-86), House Republican Leader. “I urge my colleagues who have been so enthusiastic about retail cannabis to refocus their energy and prioritize an effort to make changes to our regulatory landscape for the benefit of our state.”
The proposals from House Republicans cover a wide-ranging set of issues, from student driving education and labeling to sales of cannabis products at gas stations and safer packaging. The bill from House Republicans, H.B. 5434, will be subject of a General Law Committee public hearing.
“We are addressing relevant constituent concerns from intoxicated driving, increased dependency on drugs, and the reality that our community’s youth can be seriously harmed without implemented safeguards on marijuana,” said Rep. Perillo (R-113). “There are benefits to building revenue through cannabis commercialization, but we cannot move forward unless we take precautionary measures to safely sell these products and propose proposer safety restrictions on high-potency THC products.”
The bill from House Republicans proposes the following:
House Republicans urge members of the public to share their thoughts about H.B. 5434 when it is scheduled by the General Law Committee. For more information on how to testify, visit the committee’s web site at cga.ct.gov/gl