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The Connecticut House of Representatives Takes a Stand Against Unregulated Hemp Products
The Connecticut House of Representatives has made a bold move this week, passing a bill to regulate ingestible hemp products. This legislation, known as House Bill 5150, was approved by a vote of 130-16 on Tuesday, just three months after being introduced by the House General Law Committee. Now, the bill heads to the Connecticut Senate for consideration.
Hemp Products: A Growing Concern for Public Safety
It’s been over five years since hemp agriculture and products made from hemp were legalized by the U.S. Congress with the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill. However, with this legalization came a flood of ingestible hemp products, many containing intoxicating cannabinoids. These products have become widely available at retailers such as convenience stores, gas stations, and smoke shops, raising concerns about their potential harmful effects on the public.
Regulating the Unregulated Market
Representative Mike D’Agostino, one of the lead sponsors of the bill, recognizes the need for legislation to control the unregulated market for hemp-derived cannabinoid products. “We can’t ban them, but we can regulate the hell out of them,” says D’Agostino, who also serves as the co-chair of the General Law Committee, according to a report from the Hartford Courant. The goal of this bill is to ensure that these products are manufactured, labeled, and sold in accordance with strict standards set by the state.
Limiting Access to Certain Products
The legislation would regulate a variety of hemp products, including THC-infused beverages, by limiting their sale to adults aged 21 and older. It also expands the definition of high-THC hemp products, which are subject to tighter regulations. Additionally, the bill creates a new category for THC-infused beverages and requires them to meet the same standards as other hemp products, according to a report from the Office of Legislative Research cited by CT News Junkie.
Setting a Standard for Potency
One of the key provisions of the bill is the establishment of a uniform potency limit for hemp-derived products. This limit is set at one milligram of THC per serving, and any products exceeding this limit would be classified as high-THC products. These products would only be available at medical marijuana dispensaries or licensed cannabis retailers, which were established following the legalization of recreational marijuana in Connecticut in 2021.
Cracking Down on Unregulated Sales
In addition to regulating the production and sale of hemp products, the bill also defines unregulated sales of cannabis and hemp products as violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act. This change makes it easier for the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and the attorney general to remove unauthorized products from the market. “We need to make sure that the rules are being followed,” says D’Agostino. “That there’s not a product out there that is unregulated, that is being sold to minors, that is being sold in convenience stores, that is outside of the strict structures that we created.”
Protecting the Public and Promoting Responsible Consumption
Overall, this legislation aims to protect the public from potentially harmful hemp products while promoting responsible consumption. By regulating the production, labeling, and sale of these products, the state of Connecticut is taking a proactive approach to ensure the safety of its citizens. With this bill, the Connecticut House of Representatives is sending a clear message that the health and well-being of its residents is a top priority.
