On January 14, 2025, Connecticut updated its frequently asked questions concerning the manufacturing and sale of THC-infused beverages, emphasizing significant changes affecting various businesses in the state. These updates outline modifications, effective July 1, 2024, and October 1, 2024, regarding who can sell these beverages and how manufacturers are required to operate.
Who Can Sell? Effective October 1, 2024, only licensed cannabis retailers and certain package stores may sell THC-infused beverages.
- Licensed Cannabis Retailers: Only licensed dispensary facilities, hybrid retailers, and retailers are allowed to sell THC-infused beverages.
- Package Stores: Package stores must acquire an endorsement on their existing permit to sell THC-infused beverages.
- The endorsement application costs $500, with an annual renewal fee of the same amount.
- Package stores can apply through the eLicense portal.
- Other Businesses: Businesses not classified as licensed cannabis retailers or package stores are no longer permitted to sell THC-infused beverages. These businesses were required to report their inventory and pay a $1 fee per container by June 15, 2024.
Manufacturing Requirements
- Infused Beverage Manufacturer License: Any business manufacturing infused beverages for sale in Connecticut must obtain a specific license.
- The application and annual renewal fee for this license are both $5,000.
- The application can be found on the eLicense system.
- Existing Licensees: Businesses already holding licenses as Cultivators, micro-cultivators, food and beverage manufacturers, product manufacturers, or producers can manufacture infused beverages after submitting a written request to the Department of Consumer Protection. This request has no associated fee, and the form will be available via the License Maintenance function on the eLicense system.
- Authorized Manufacturers: The following license types are authorized to manufacture food and beverage products: Producer, Cultivator, Micro-cultivator, Product manufacturer, and Food and beverage manufacturer.
Labeling and Packaging
- Each THC-infused beverage container must display a symbol that indicates the beverage is not safe or legal for individuals under 21 years of age. Additional packaging and labeling standards are also required.
Key Definitions and Restrictions
- THC-Infused Beverage: These are defined as non-alcoholic drinks containing THC, and can include products labeled as “hemp-derived,” Delta-8, Delta-9, Delta-10, or THCA.
- Delivery Prohibitions: Delivery of cannabis to tribal lands is strictly prohibited.
- Hemp Product Sales: Licensed cannabis establishments may sell hemp manufacturer products.
- High-THC hemp products can only be sold by licensed dispensary facilities, cannabis retailers, and hybrid retailers.
- Manufacturer hemp products must adhere to specific packaging and labeling standards.
- Synthetic Cannabinoids: Products with synthetic cannabinoids such as delta-8 are categorized as cannabis and can only be sold by licensed cannabis establishments. It is also illegal to give away delta-8 products or any products that contain synthetic cannabinoids.
- Shelf-Stability: All cannabis products, which includes beverages, must be shelf-stable for a minimum of 60 days without refrigeration.
Licensing and Additional Information
- The Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is responsible for licensing and regulating both medical and adult-use cannabis establishments in Connecticut.
- Lotteries for cannabis establishment licenses are currently not being held, but the department is accepting applications for Equity Joint Ventures.
- For updates on cannabis licensing and regulations, visit the Adult-Use Cannabis website at http://ct.gov/cannabis.
- To apply for any license or endorsement, visit the eLicense system at https://elicense.ct.gov.
- Violations of state and federal laws pertaining to cannabis delivery on tribal lands can lead to potential state, federal, and tribal enforcement actions.
This regulatory update in Connecticut aims to create a safer and more controlled environment for the sale and production of THC-infused beverages, while clearly outlining the requirements for all businesses involved.
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