HARTFORD – The Connecticut Cannabis Chamber of Commerce is seeking reforms to strengthen the legal market for cannabis production and sales. It supports legislation that would modernize the state’s regulated cannabis market while maintaining strong consumer protections and advancing the intent of Connecticut’s social equity program.
During a press event with legislators and industry leaders on Wednesday, the chamber outlined such reforms designed to strengthen the legal market, improve competitiveness with neighboring states, and ensure the long-term sustainability of Connecticut’s cannabis industry. The priorities align with testimony submitted by the Chamber and industry stakeholders in support of HB 5350, a bill currently before the General Law Committee.
The bill would, among many things, replace the term “marijuana” with “cannabis,” redefine “cannabis,” authorize qualifying out-of-state patients to access the state’s palliative use cannabis market, establish a cannabis regulatory working group and prohibit a retailer, hybrid retailer or dispensary facility from borrowing money or receiving credit from a cultivator, micro-cultivator or producer for more than 30 days.
“Connecticut created a highly regulated cannabis marketplace with strong safety standards, but the market must evolve as the industry matures,” said Nikole Burnes, executive director of the Connecticut Cannabis Chamber of Commerce. “Our proposals are measured reforms that preserve consumer protections while ensuring licensed businesses can compete with neighboring states and the illicit market.”
Among the chamber’s priorities are tax rationalization to improve price parity with neighboring states, modernization of marketing and packaging standards, product potency adjustments aligned with national norms, and updates to the Social Equity Joint Venture program to ensure long-term sustainability for equity partners. Social equity partners are those people who were disproportionally affected by marijuana prohibition laws, such as those convicted of a drug offense and living in poverty-stricken areas.
General Law Committee Chair Rep. Roland Lemar (D-New Haven) said lawmakers are carefully reviewing industry feedback as part of the legislative process.
“The General Law Committee has heard extensive testimony from industry participants, equity partners, regulators, and public safety advocates as we evaluate HB 5350,” Lemar said. “Our responsibility is to listen carefully and work collaboratively to address legitimate concerns while maintaining Connecticut’s commitment to consumer protection and responsible regulation.”
Adam Wood, president of the chamber, emphasized the importance of addressing regional competition.
“Connecticut made a deliberate choice to build a regulated cannabis market focused on safety and accountability,” he said. “But when our effective tax rate is nearly double that of neighboring states, consumers will look elsewhere. Aligning our tax structure with regional realities will strengthen the legal market and support long-term revenue and public health goals.”
Industry leaders also stressed the importance of ensuring the legal market can effectively compete with illicit sellers.
“As a licensed retail operator, we operate under strict rules while unregulated sellers advertise freely online,” said Carl Tirella, owner of Budr, which operates Fairfield County shops in Danbury and Stratford. “Allowing responsible advertising and reasonable packaging flexibility will help consumers identify legal, compliant businesses and keep purchases in the regulated market.”
During the hearing product standards and packaging rules were also highlighted as areas where modernization could strengthen the regulated market.
“Our customers are adults who want clear information, consistent dosing, and product options that align with what they see in neighboring states,” said Ben Zachs, owner of Fine Fettle, which operates shops in Norwalk and Stamford. “Updating potency limits and allowing responsible branding helps regulated businesses compete while maintaining strict safety protections.”
Social equity partners emphasized the importance of ensuring the state’s equity program remains viable for long-term entrepreneurship.
“We applaud the continued engagement of legislators as we collaboratively refine safe, age-appropriate access to this medicine which can bring relief when used responsibly. House Bill 5350 represents a bold step forward in ensuring the viability of our social-equity focused cannabis framework,” said Paul Travaglino, founder of Enlightened Foods LLC.
“Connecticut’s social equity program was designed to create opportunity, and for many of us it has done exactly that,” said Kenard Ray, social equity partner at Fine Fettle. “The framework must evolve so we can truly be in charge of our own ownership.”
“Equity isn’t just about access—it’s about durability,” added Jocelyn Cerda, social equity partner at Shangri-La, which operates a annabis cultivation, processing and manufacturing plant in Stratford. “Modernizing the Equity Joint Venture program while maintaining Social Equity Council oversight will ensure these businesses can adapt, attract investment responsibly, and remain competitive.”
The Chamber noted that its priorities were developed following months of listening sessions with industry participants, policymakers, and regulators.
“The goal of legalization was to create a safe, transparent, and equitable marketplace,” chamber Executive Director Burnes said. “These targeted reforms will help ensure the regulated cannabis industry in Connecticut can continue to grow responsibly while delivering on those goals.”
