Substitute Bill No. 6915 is an act concerning cannabis use prevention efforts related to youth, which includes amendments to the allocation of tax received under section 12-330ll of the general statutes. The bill stipulates that for fiscal years 2024 to 2026, 60% of the cannabis tax received will go to the Social Equity and Innovation Fund, 30% (increased from 25%) to the Prevention and Recovery Services Fund, and 10% (decreased from 15%) to the General Fund. For fiscal years 2027 and 2028, the allocation changes to 65% for the Social Equity and Innovation Fund, 30% for the Prevention and Recovery Services Fund, and 5% for the General Fund. Starting from fiscal year 2029, 75% of the tax will go to the Social Equity and Innovation Fund, and 25% to the Prevention and Recovery Services Fund.

The bill also amends section 21a-420f(d) to establish the "Prevention and Recovery Services Fund," which will be used for substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery services, including youth cannabis use prevention services and a public awareness campaign about the risks of youth cannabis use. Additionally, the bill modifies section 17a-667 to establish a Connecticut Alcohol and Drug Policy Council within the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, which will review policies and practices concerning substance abuse and develop a state-wide plan. The council will also establish a cannabis health review panel to examine the effects of cannabis use and report its findings annually. The act will take effect on July 1, 2023, and applies to taxes due on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill:
PH Joint Favorable Substitute:
File No. 547:
FIN Joint Favorable: