Connecticut Cannabis Bill Passes, Keeping Potency in Check

0:00It's May 1st. I'm Kory with the story. This is Hartford News Today, driven by AI. Connecticut lawmakers just passed a bill to juice up the state's young cannabis market and keep it competitive with neighbors like Massachusetts. 10 days after the House green-litted 83-61 on April 20th, the Senate approved it late night in an 18-17 vote. But they kept the current caps on THC levels and cannabis flowers, scrapping plans for higher potency. The bill still ramps up other areas, like boosting THC in beverages from 3 mg to 5, with 10 mg options at dispensaries. It greenlights THC infused teas and coffees too, plus labels for flowers hitting 30% THC or more as high potency. Out-of-state medical patients can now buy here, and telehealth gets a nod for medical users. Republicans in the Senate pushback car during a two-hour debate, reviving old fights against recreational weed sales for those over 21. They worried about public safety, kids, and fentanyl-laced risks, with some amendments

1:04failing along party lines. Border towns feel the pinch from cheaper, stronger stuff in Massachusetts, drawing away local buyers. Lawmakers like House Robrol in the Mar called it a smart compromise, listening to folks uneasy about rushing higher flower potency. Current 35% limits are closed to the plant's natural max around 38.5%, so the gap isn't huge. They aim to prove the need later, while matching flat taxes and business perks now. A working group will review the whole program soon, and leaders promise to revisit flower caps next week. This keeps Connecticut's five-year-old industry rolling forward without going full throttle on potency just yet.