HB 5329 - An Act Concerning Cannabis

• Establishes the Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis Act (RERACA) creating a comprehensive framework for recreational cannabis licensing, regulation, and social equity in Connecticut.

• Prohibits unlicensed cannabis gifting, sales, or transfers with limited exceptions for personal gifts between individuals with genuine social relationships; violations carry fines up to $1,000 per offense plus municipal penalties.

• Creates a Social Equity Council to promote cannabis industry participation by persons from communities disproportionately harmed by cannabis prohibition, including authority to approve equity joint ventures and workforce development plans.

• Allows qualified medical marijuana patients to cultivate limited cannabis plants at home (up to three mature and three immature plants per patient, maximum 12 per household) and permits physicians, physician assistants, and advanced practice registered nurses to issue medical certifications.

• Amends advertising restrictions to prohibit cannabis marketing to minors, including restrictions on use of certain imagery and spokespersons, with exemptions for outdoor signage containing only business name and logo.