By May 14, 2024, Connecticut businesses that sell THC-infused beverages must take inventory of all products, both on the sales floor and in storage. Then, by June 14, 2024, businesses must report all such products in their possession to the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (“DCP”) and pay to DCP $1.00 per container.  The inventory and associated fee are being implemented as part of new legislation recently passed by the Connecticut General Assembly.

THC-infused beverages are nonalcoholic drinks that contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and may be displayed as “hemp-derived,” Delta-8, Delta-9, Delta 10, THCA, HHC or similar wording, according to DCP. If businesses are unsure if they have THC-infused beverages, DCP recommends contacting suppliers.

After July 1, 2024, only licensed cannabis retailers and package store permittees may sell THC-infused beverages. Furthermore, after October 1, 2024, the THC-infused beverages sold by package stores and cannabis retailers will be restricted to drinks containing no more than 3 mg of THC per 12-ounce container. There are other packaging and labeling standards required under the new legislation along with a prohibition against sales of THC-infused beverages to minors.

Businesses in possession of THC-infused beverages previously allowed, may continue to sell those produced through June 30, 2024, provided they submit the required inventory and pay the necessary fees.

Package stores and cannabis retailers already licensed by DCP are directed to log into their eLicense account and use the “License Maintenance” function. All other businesses will be able to file the inventory and pay the requisite fee beginning May 14, 2024 by logging into an existing DCP account or creating a new eLicense account to file TCH-infused beverage reports.

Our Cannabis team will continue to monitor this development.

For further information, please contact:

Elizabeth A. B. Suchy
Partner
203.252.2656
esuchy@carmodylaw.com

This information is for educational purposes only to provide general information and a general understanding of the law. It does not constitute legal advice and does not establish any attorney-client relationship.