Labor and Public Employees Committee
JOINT FAVORABLE REPORT
Bill No.: HB-6377
AN ACT CONCERNING LABOR PEACE AGREEMENTS AND A MODERN AND
Title: EQUITABLE CANNABIS WORKFORCE.
Vote Date: 3/25/2021
Vote Action: Joint Favorable Substitute
PH Date: 2/9/2021
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:
Labor and Public Employees Committee
REASONS FOR BILL:
Working class and minority communities have suffered from unequal enforcement of laws
regarding the criminalization of cannabis as a result of the federal war on drugs.
RESPONSE FROM ADMINISTRATION/AGENCY:
SHAWN WOODEN, TREASURER, STATE OF CONNECTICUT
Shawn testified that the bill's focus on racial equity was the right focus at a crucial time.
Shawn spoke to the long lasting and radiating effects of the war on drugs and draconian
"tough on crime" policies and called for bold action to ensure racial equity.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF SUPPORT:
JOSEPH ACCETTULLO, FOUNDER & PRESIDENT, NEW ENGLAND CRAFT CANNABIS
ALLIANCE
Joseph testified that the criminalization of homegrown cannabis would undermine any
potential policy, but this bill addresses that through its homegrow provisions. The bill also
focuses on an equitable legalization of cannabis by aiding the communities which were most
damaged by the war on drugs. Joseph also urged the creation of a "Cannabis Control
Commission" to ensure a cannabis legalization process which is focused on social justice.
BRIAN ANDERSON, LEGISLATIVE COORDINATOR, COUNCIL 4 AFSCME
Brian testified that all workers should be reserved the basic human right of organizing a
union, and that federal laws don't adequately protect that right. This bill gives common sense
protections to workers.
WILDALIZ BERMUDEZ, COUNCILWOMAN, HARTFORD
Wildaliz testified that this bill presents the most comprehensive plan to correct the harm done
to working class communities and communities of color by the criminalization of cannabis.
Cannabis legalization presents new economic opportunities which this bill attempts to direct
towards those disadvantaged communities.
CARL CHISEM, PRESIDENT, CONNECTICUT EMPLOYEES UNION INDEPENDENT, SEIU
LOCAL 511
Carl testified on behalf of CEUI, Local 511, whom joins UFCW in supporting the legalization
of recreational cannabis contingent on labor peace agreements as a condition of licensure
and renewal. Labor peace agreements are an effective way to protect businesses, workers,
and consumers while ensuring diversity.
MARK ESPINOSA, PRESIDENT, UNITED FOOD AND COMMERCIAL WORKERS UNION
LOCAL 919
Mark testified that UFCW has pioneered the equitable growth of the cannabis industry, and to
the equity inherent in labor peace agreements. Labor peace agreements will ensure that the
communities which have been adversely affected by the prohibition of cannabis will be the
ones who benefit from its legalization.
BRIAN ESSENTER, PHARMACIST
Brian testified to the corrective measures in this bill which combat the legacy of the racist war
on drugs. A pre-emptive labor peace agreement requirement prevents future disputes and
sets expectations from day one. This bill may contain too many layers of government
oversight and bureaucracy, but equity oversight is necessary. "Host Community Agreements"
may bar equity applicants and allow a backdoor for corruption, regardless of provisions
attempting to prevent this.
SARAH GERSTEN, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AND GENERAL COUNSEL, LAST
PRISONER PROJECT
Sarah testified that any plan for cannabis legalization must be equitable. Any state which
receives tax revenue from a legal cannabis industry has an ethical imperative to ensure that
those who suffered the effects of previous discriminatory enforcement policies are afforded
every opportunity to benefit from its legalization.
OMAR GREEN
Omar testified in support of the corrective measures taken by this bill to address equity
concerns for individuals impacted by discriminatory prohibition enforcement in a legal
cannabis industry.
LEANNE HARPIN
Leanne testified to the historically racist origins of the war on drugs and its discriminatory
enforcement which lasts to this day. Marijuana is less dangerous than alcohol and is not a
gateway to opioid abuse. Connecticut stands to gain more tax revenue through the
legalization of recreational cannabis.
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JIM PERRAS, CEO, HOME BUILDERS & REMODELERS ASSOCIATION OF
CONNECTICUT, INC.
Jim testified on behalf of the HBRA-CT that Section 30 (a)(2) may be inadvertently violated
by landlords while attempting to discover information on non-marijuana related criminal
convictions, suggesting that the bill be amended to address this concern.
KERI HOEHNE, EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT, UNITED FOOD AND COMMERICAL
WORKERS LOCAL 371
Keri testified on behalf of the UFCW that they support the legalization of recreational
cannabis only with the inclusion of labor peace agreements as a requirement for licensure
and renewal. Labor peace agreements allow workers to determine whether or not they want
union representation in an orderly and fair process. Labor peace agreements keep workers
and consumers safe, and other states have already implemented similar kinds of labor peace
agreement requirements in the cannabis industry.
MELISSA KEILTY & SAMUEL EVANS, MASTER OF SOCIAL WORK STUDENTS, UCONN
SCHOOL OF SOCIAL WORK UCONN STUDENTS FOR SENSIBLE DRUG POLICY,
HARTFORD
Melissa and Samuel testified on behalf of the UConn Students for Sensible Drug Policy
Hartford regarding Sections twelve and fourteen which protect people with previous cannabis
related arrests or convictions from discriminatory exclusion from cannabis related activities.
They highlight the discriminatory enforcement of drug war policy which has resulted in the
criminalization of some communities and not others.
SETEVE KENNEDY, CONNECTICUT TEAM LEADER, IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN
VETERANS OF AMERICA
Steve testified to offer suggestions to ensure veterans impacted by the war on drugs are
included in the equity provisions of the bill. Some servicemembers have been "less-than-
honorably" discharged for cannabis use, which may have been used to treat service-
connected medical conditions. Servicemembers who have been less-than-honorably
discharged are subject to a loss of benefits and discrimination in civilian life, much like a
criminal conviction.
JOSEPH LACHANCE, CT NORML, CANNAHEALTH
Joseph testified to aspects of the bill's equity provisions which help to correct some of the
effects of the war on drugs.
SAL LUCIANO, PRESIDENT, CONNECTICUT AFL-CIO
Sal testified to the necessity of equity provisions in an emerging recreational cannabis
industry and the importance of labor peace agreements. Collective bargaining agreements
can also help to address equity concerns.
DUNCAN MARKOVICH, OWNER AND CO-FOUNDER, BETTER WAYS LLC
Duncan testified on many potential provisions regarding equity, industry regulation, and
individual rights. Two major issues in the medicinal cannabis retail sector are a fear of
cannabis related drug testing by employers and the need for health insurance companies to
cover the costs of products.
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MASHANTUCKET PEQUOT TRIBAL NATION
The Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation submitted testimony on Section 23 of the bill which
allows Connecticut to enter interjurisdictional compacts with Tribes and other governments,
regarding cannabis, to enable cross-border regulation and commerce. They testified to the
implementation and success of this type of legislation in other states, and how it could help to
enhance public health and safety and ensure a well-regulated cannabis market in
Connecticut.
KELLY MCCONNEY MOORE, INTERIM SENIOR POLICY COUNSEL, AMERICAN CIVIL
LIBERTIES UNION OF CONNECTICUT
Kelly testified on ACLU-CT's support for full decriminalization of cannabis at every step in the
production, distribution, and consumption processes citing the racist history of criminalization
enforcement. Kelly praised the bill's equity provisions and offered suggestions on how to
expand upon them.
SARAH NOON, UNITED STATES FEDERAL POLICY LIAISON, STUDENTS FOR
SENSIBLE DRUG POLICY
Sarah testified to the scope of the bill, which addresses the totality of discrimination from the
war on drugs. Sarah stated that a criminal history or previous disciplinary action should not
interfere with anyone's right to a higher education and praised Section 29 of the bill, which
defines protections related to educational institutions, financial aid, and student loans, as a
step in the right direction.
MARY JANE OATMAN, FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, INDIGENOUS
CANNABIS COALITION
Mary Jane testified by applauding the bill as a pivotal step in the process towards the
reclamation of the Indigenous (women's) cordage economies for Indigenous peoples and as
a recognition of Connecticut's Indigenous families as contemporary, thriving communities.
The bill provides solutions to the issues created by failed prohibition policies. Section 32 is a
critical protection for Tribal sovereignty which will allow them to safely and compliantly
engage in cannabis economies.
JASON ORTIZ, PRESIDENT, MINORITY CANNABIS BUSINESS ASSOCIATION
Jason testified that the bill helps to facilitate social equity in the cannabis industry by
addressing the near totality of discrimination inherent in the war on drugs. Jason highlighted
several sections of the bill which addressed protections rather than punishments for youth,
and cooperation with and respect for our tribal nations.
ANTHONY M. PERRONE, INTERNATIONAL PRESIDENT, UNITED FOOD AND
COMMERCIAL WORKERS INTERNATIONAL UNION
Anthony testified that the bill would strengthen communities, create good jobs, and bring
reparative justice. Anthony also praised labor peace agreements as a means to ensure well-
paid, safe, family-sustaining jobs, help to bring about equity in the workplace, and to ensure
public health and product safety.
RONALD PETRONELLA, PRESIDENT, UFCW LOCAL 371
Ronald testified on the unique opportunities presented by the legalization of recreational
cannabis to create an entirely new industry in Connecticut and to ensure its workforce is
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diverse and is offered family-sustaining incomes through labor peace agreements and
ultimately, unionization.
RAFAEL ROSARIO, OWNER, BASEMENT GHOST MEDIA
Rafael testified by sharing an experience about his work as a job developer at a men's
halfway house trying to help justice impacted people find employment. One man he was
helping to find employment for was surprised at how some people were making millions by
selling a substance for which some of his roommates had been imprisoned, highlighting the
importance of the equity provisions of the bill.
EMILY SABO, BUSINESS AGENT/ORGANIZER, UNITED FOOD AND COMMERCIAL
WORKERS UNION LOCAL 919
Emily testified that the bill will create a framework to create jobs with good wages and
benefits in a growing industry. Labor peace agreements allowing workers to make a choice
on whether to unionize free from coercion will result in better pay, benefits, and equity in the
industry.
DAVID SERRANO
David testified to the difficulties faced by communities of color as a result of the drug war and
its radiating societal effects. David spoke against a limited and competitive licensing process
for cannabis growers, and in favor of home grow provisions as a means to achieve equity in
an industry which has thus far excluded those most damaged by the war on drugs.
SHALEEN TITLE, CO-FOUNDER, CANNABIS REGULATORS OF COLOR COALITION
Shaleen testified that from 2017 to 2020 she served as a commissioner of the Massachusetts
Cannabis Control Commission for her expertise in social justice and policy issues. She
praised the bill's equity and community investment provisions as being a good application of
the lessons she's learned from her experiences in Massachusetts.
DEVAUGHN WAR, SENIOR LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL, MARIJUANA POLICY PROJECT
DeVaughn testified on behalf of the Marijuana Policy Project that they support all objectives
of the bill but cautioned against "host community agreements," stating that they ultimately
thwart equity. DeVaughn cited Massachusetts as having issues as a result of their
requirement for applicants to sign host community agreements with municipalities, particularly
for small businesses.
DENISE WEEKS, GLASTONBURY
Denise testified to her experience as a volunteer in Hartford working with people who have
been victims of the war on drugs. She highlighted the importance of the bill's equity
provisions and called the bill an important step in repairing the harm done to the families
affected by the war on drugs.
CARLY WOLF, STATE POLICIES COORDINATOR, NATIONAL ORGANIZATION FOR
THE REFORM OF MARIJUANA LAWS
Carly testified that the bill would establish a comprehensive social equity program focused on
reducing barriers to entry into the cannabis industry and reinvestment in communities
affected by the war on drugs. Testimony spoke to the discriminatory enforcement of drug war
policy and praised the bill's home-grow provision.
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BRANDON WYATT, BOARD SECRETARY, MINORITY CANNABIS BUSINESS
ASSOCIATION
Brandon testified on a brief history of sharecropping in the colonial United States, where a
landowner divides their land into smaller parcels and accepts labor in exchange for farming
privileges or payments in crops produced known as a crop lien. The farmers, which were
overwhelmingly minority, would not develop any equity or appreciation through ownership of
the land, and prosperous landowners would charge the farming families a fee to live in a
house on the property an arrangement known as tenant farming. Brandon praised this bill
for avoiding an economic situation like this type of sharecropping.
STACY ZIMMERMAN, SERVICE EMPLOYEES INTERNATIONAL UNION CONNECTICUT
STATE COUNCIL
Stacey submitted testimony in support of a number of bills being considered by the
committee and applauded the committee for proposing legislation on such important matters.
NATURE AND SOURCES OF OPPOSITION:
THE CONNECTICUT MEDICAL CANNABIS COUNCIL
The CT Medical Cannabis Council testified that the labor peace agreement requirement for
obtaining and maintaining licensure in Connecticut's cannabis program risks creating legal
uncertainty and disruptions for the program and the public. There are many questions
surrounding the legality of such a requirement from the federal and state level, and no
comfort or lesson can be taken from its implementation in other states. The legality of similar
labor peace agreement requirements, which have been implemented in other states, has not
yet been litigated or affirmed.
FINE FETTLE DISPENSARY
Fine Fettle dispensary testified that it is a local and diverse company which provides its
employees with compensation and benefits beyond the industry standard and without
external costs. They agree with the purpose of the bill, but not the means. They outline
proposed changes to ensure equity though community aid, diverse hiring initiatives, and
diverse ownership.
ERIC GJEDE, VICE PRESIDENT OF GOVERNMENT AFFAIRS, CONNECTICUT
BUSINESS & INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION
Eric testified that the CBIA opposes section three of the bill. Section three would invalidate
employment policies which may otherwise restrict an employee's cannabis use in or outside
of the course of their employment. Marijuana has been proven to impair judgment and certain
cognitive abilities. Other states protect the employer's right to conduct pre-employment and
post screening drug tests and enforce off-site cannabis use policies.
JOINT TESTIMONY OF GENERAL DYNAMICS ELECTRIC BOAT, RAYTHEON
TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION, AND SIKORSKY, A LOCKHEED MARTIN COMPANY
The companies submitted testimony describing how legalizing marijuana for recreational use
would limit their eligible labor talent pool. Marijuana impairs certain cognitive abilities and
motor skills, which makes it unsafe for manufacturing workers to use at work. Section three of
the bill may result in an employee who is under the influence engaging in safety-sensitive
work. They suggest amendments to protect an employer's good faith belief that an employee
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used, possessed, or was impaired by, any drug while at work from civil action and to
establish a defined threshold to determine impairment.
THE CONNECTICUT CONFERENCE OF MUNICIPALITIES
CCM submitted testimony urging considerations regarding public health and safety before
legalization. CCM urged adoption of a number of proposed provisions which would allow
municipalities more freedom and control over recreational cannabis operations within their
jurisdiction.
NATIONAL SAFETY COUNCIL
The National Safety Council submitted testimony urging the committee to consider public
safety as their primary concern regarding this bill, and all others, by preserving an employer's
right to maintain a substance-free workplace.
BARRY SAMPLE, SENIOR DIRECTOR OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY, QUEST
DIAGNOSTICS EMPLOYER SOLUTIONS
Barry testified on behalf of Quest Diagnostics to express concerns with provisions of the bill
that limit an employer's ability to maintain a truly drug-free workforce for safety-sensitive
employees. It is insufficient to only prohibit employees from using, or being under the
influence of, cannabis while at work. Current tests cannot differentiate between whether an
employee is currently under the influence or has recently used cannabis but is not currently
under the influence.
NATHAN TINKER, SECRETARY, ACADEMY OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARIES
Nathan testified on behalf of the AMMD that they support a thoughtful social equity program
in Connecticut's cannabis industry, whether it remain only medical or expand to recreat