General Law Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-5174
AN ACT CONCERNING ANTI-TRUST ISSUES AND THE PALLIATIVE USE OF
Title: MARIJUANA.
Vote Date:
Vote Action:
PH Date: 2/25/2020
File No.:
Disclaimer: The following JOINT FAVORABLE Report is prepared for the benefit of the
members of the General Assembly, solely for purposes of information, summarization and
explanation and does not represent the intent of the General Assembly or either chamber
thereof for any purpose.
SPONSORS OF BILL:
General Law Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
To increase transparency in medical marijuana and changes to the ownership of a
dispensary or producer.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
Wiliam Tong, Attorney General, State of Connecticut:
We support the bill and future consolidation through mergers or acquisitions by developing
the form and content that require notice of material changes to the ownership of a dispensary
or producer.
Michelle Seagull, Commissioner of Consumer Protection:
This bill will create a process for the Office of the Attorney General to propose changes in
ownership of any medical marijuana business that would not violate the antitrust laws.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
Kelly McConney Moore, Policy counsel, American Civil Liberties Union of Connecticut:
We support the bill and encourage the Committee to strengthen this bill by expanding
opportunities for people who were previously impacted by the war on marijuana to participate
in the industry.
Linda Kowalski, Connecticut Medical Cannabis Council:
Our members are the four licensed producers in the state for the medical marijuana
programs. We reserve judgment at this time until we can discuss the issue with committee
leadership, the Department of Consumer Protection and the Attorney General's Office.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
Nathan Tinker, CEO, Connecticut Pharmacist Association:
This bill presents an unnecessary intrusion into the business workings of the industry. The
bill will also impede the natural development of an industry that is already highly regulated.
Reported by: Pamela Bianca Date: 03/11/2020
Page 2 of 2 HB-5174