A Connecticut bill that would require marijuana workers to receive the full state minimum wage, without tips counting toward that total, was approved yesterday by the Joint Committee on Labor and Public Employees in a 9 to 4 vote.

Senate Bill 352 would bar marijuana businesses from using gratuities as a credit against the hourly minimum wage for workers employed at cannabis establishments, dispensary facilities and producer locations. That means employees covered by the measure would need to be paid the state minimum wage directly, with any tips added on top rather than used to reduce an employer’s wage obligation.

The proposal was introduced by the Labor and Public Employees Committee and earlier this month was the subject of a public hearing before the panel. With yesterday’s vote, the measure has now cleared its first legislative hurdle and can continue advancing through the General Assembly.

The bill states that “in no event shall the Labor Commissioner recognize, as part of the minimum fair wage, gratuities for persons employed at a cannabis establishment, dispensary facility or producer.” It would also make clear that any marijuana business paying, or agreeing to pay, less than the minimum fair wage would be in violation of state law.

If enacted, the change would amend Section 21a-421d of Connecticut’s general statutes and would take effect October 1, 2026.

The measure comes as Connecticut’s regulated marijuana market continues to expand, with lawmakers weighing a variety of changes tied to labor standards, business practices and industry oversight. Supporters of SB 352 say the proposal would ensure marijuana workers are guaranteed the same baseline wage protections regardless of how much they earn in tips. Opponents, meanwhile, may argue that the change would raise labor costs for some businesses.

With committee approval now secured, the bill is positioned for further consideration by state lawmakers in the weeks ahead.