Substitute House Bill No. 7181 seeks to strengthen the enforcement of cannabis, hemp, and tobacco laws in Connecticut by establishing a Statewide Cannabis and Hemp Enforcement Task Force within the Department of Consumer Protection (DCP). This task force will have the authority to conduct investigations, collaborate with other agencies, and appoint municipal police as special state police officers, granting them the same powers as state police. The bill introduces new definitions for various cannabis and tobacco-related terms and clarifies the roles of the task force and its policy board, which will oversee operations and coordinate with law enforcement. The effective date for the task force provisions is set for July 1, 2025, while other aspects of the bill will take effect on October 1, 2025.

The bill also amends existing laws to impose stricter penalties for violations related to the sale and distribution of cannabis and tobacco products. It reclassifies the offense of selling synthetic cannabinoids from a misdemeanor to a class E felony and establishes civil penalties for various infractions, including a $30,000 fine for specific violations. Municipalities are empowered to take action against businesses that pose a public health threat and can retain all fine revenue from violations. Additionally, the bill enhances regulations on the shipping and transportation of electronic nicotine delivery systems, requiring proof of age from recipients and imposing penalties for non-compliance. Overall, sHB7181 aims to create a more structured regulatory framework to ensure public health and safety in the cannabis and tobacco industries.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 12-285c
GL Joint Favorable: 12-285c
File No. 632: 12-285c