Connecticut’s Senate has passed HB 5350, a wide-ranging cannabis bill that would expand access to the state’s medical marijuana program, rewrite portions of its hemp laws and create new rules for infused beverages.

The Senate voted 20 to 16 on April 30 to approve the measure after rejecting several proposed amendments. Because the Senate made changes, the legislation now returns to the House for concurrence before it can be sent to Governor Ned Lamont.

The House previously passed the measure on April 20 by a vote of 81 to 63.

HB 5350 would allow qualifying out-of-state medical marijuana patients and caregivers to access Connecticut’s palliative cannabis program, a change that would extend protections and access to visiting patients who are authorized to use medical marijuana in another state.

The legislation also makes numerous changes to how marijuana, hemp and infused beverages are regulated. It would redefine key terms in state law, including “cannabis,” while creating clearer distinctions for high-THC hemp products and infused beverages.

Infused beverages are a major focus of the bill. The measure would authorize infused beverage wholesalers to sell products to additional liquor permit holders, establish an infused beverage on-premises consumption endorsement for certain businesses, and modify labeling requirements for infused beverages. It would also allow out-of-state laboratories to test infused beverages.

The bill would create a cannabis regulatory working group and make changes to enforcement, licensing and business rules. Among other provisions, it would restrict certain financial arrangements involving cannabis licensees, revise transport requirements, modify testing and remediation rules, and limit how long cannabis licensees may retain consumer information.

The proposal would also update edible marijuana rules, including provisions tied to serving sizes, product labeling, packaging and consumer safety disclosures. Additional provisions address plants that fail testing, private consultation areas for pharmacists, and requirements for dispensary facilities.