Rutigliano: Sweeping Cannabis Expansion Bill Goes Too Far, Puts Public Safety and Youth at Risk

(House Video)

HARTFORD — State Representative David Rutigliano (R–Trumbull) voiced strong opposition to a sweeping cannabis expansion bill being advanced by the House Democratic majority, warning that the proposal weakens key safeguards, expands access beyond reasonable limits, and prioritizes industry growth over public health and safety in Connecticut.

“This bill is a massive overreach that dismantles many of the common-sense guardrails put in place when cannabis was first commercialized,” said Rep. Rutigliano. “It opens the floodgates—raising THC potency, loosening marketing restrictions, and expanding access in ways that raise serious concerns for parents, law enforcement, and public health professionals.”

Rutigliano pointed to several concerning provisions in House Bill 5350, An Act Concerning Cannabis, Hemp and Infused Beverage Regulation:

• Eliminates potency limits on cannabis flower and concentrates, allowing significantly stronger products into the market
• Loosens packaging and branding restrictions, permitting colorful, logo-driven designs that may appeal to minors
• Increases allowable THC levels in infused beverages
• Permits out-of-state patients and caregivers to purchase cannabis across state lines, raising potential federal compliance concerns
• Expands access to palliative-use products and redefines hemp-derived cannabinoids in ways that could create regulatory loopholes

“We should not be making it easier to market high-potency THC products or creating new avenues for consumption without fully understanding the long-term psychological and public health consequences,” Rutigliano added. “We heard clear testimony from medical professionals and prevention experts warning that this is the wrong direction.”

Rutigliano noted that while Connecticut continues to expand its cannabis framework, other states are beginning to reassess the impact of commercialization—particularly as it relates to youth use, addiction, and impaired driving.

“I am not advocating for re-criminalization,” Rutigliano said. “But we need a thoughtful, responsible approach that prioritizes safety, accountability, and the well-being of our communities. This bill falls well short of that standard.”