Substitute House Bill No. 6697, also known as sHB6697 File No. 226, is a comprehensive bill that addresses the regulation of cannabis in Connecticut. The bill makes numerous changes to the definitions and terms related to controlled substances, cannabis, and hemp products. It adds new definitions such as "high-THC hemp product" and "cannabidiol derived from hemp," while deleting others like "nurse" and "official written order." The bill also rephrases and clarifies existing definitions to ensure precision in language. It repeals and substitutes various sections of the general statutes, particularly those related to the licensing and regulation of cannabis establishments and testing laboratories, and it outlines the rights and privileges of these entities. The bill establishes new fees for cannabis establishment licenses and modifies the application process, including the role of the Social Equity Council in determining eligibility for social equity applicants.

The bill also addresses the advertising and promotion of cannabis and hemp products, setting forth restrictions and requirements to prevent targeting underage individuals and making unsubstantiated health claims. It includes provisions related to the production, testing, and sale of hemp and hemp products, such as the establishment of an agricultural pilot program for hemp research and the requirement for producers to report certain information. The bill grants the Commissioner of Agriculture and the Commissioner of Consumer Protection various enforcement powers and establishes penalties for violations. It also amends sections of the general statutes related to public school policies on substance use and the handling of controlled substances in criminal cases. The bill's provisions are set to take effect on October 1, 2023, with some sections effective upon passage. The bill is expected to generate revenue through licensing fees and has received a Joint Favorable Substitute vote from the General Law Committee.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 22-61l, 22-61m
GL Joint Favorable Substitute: 22-61l, 22-61m
File No. 226: 22-61l, 22-61m