House Bill 6842, which would ensure that employees at cannabis establishments receive at least the state’s minimum fair wage, has been scheduled for a public hearing on February 6 in the Joint Committee on Labor and Public Employees.
The bill, introduced in the Connecticut House of Representatives by the chair of the House Labor and Public Employees Committee, clarifies that cannabis industry employees must be paid the full minimum wage and that employers cannot count gratuities toward that wage. While some industries, such as restaurants and hospitality, are allowed to apply tips toward meeting minimum wage requirements, HB 6842 explicitly prevents marijuana businesses from doing the same.
The legislation states that “nothing in this section, or any regulation adopted pursuant to this section, shall be construed to require the Labor Commissioner to recognize, as part of the minimum fair wage, gratuities in an amount equal to the difference between the minimum fair wage and the employer’s share for persons who are employed at a cannabis establishment.” It defines “cannabis establishment” based on the existing legal definition in Section 21a-420 of Connecticut law.
If enacted, the law would take effect on October 1, 2025, with the Labor Commissioner responsible for enforcement. The February 6 hearing will allow lawmakers and the public to weigh in on the measure as it moves through the legislative process.
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