(a) As used in this section, “municipality” means any town, city or borough, consolidated town and city or consolidated town and borough, and a district establishing a zoning commission under section 7-326.
(b) Any municipality may, by amendment to such municipality's zoning regulations or by local ordinance, (1) prohibit the establishment of a cannabis establishment, (2) establish reasonable restrictions regarding the hours and signage within the limits of such municipality, or (3) establish restrictions on the proximity of cannabis establishments to any of the establishments listed in subdivision (1) of subsection (a) of section 30-46. The chief zoning official of a municipality shall report, in writing, any zoning changes adopted by the municipality regarding cannabis establishments pursuant to this subsection to the Secretary of the Office of Policy and Management and to the department not later than fourteen days after the adoption of such changes.
(c) Unless otherwise provided for by a municipality through its zoning regulations or ordinances, a cannabis establishment shall be zoned as if for any other similar use, other than a cannabis establishment, would be zoned.
(d) Any restriction regarding hours, zoning and signage of a cannabis establishment adopted by a municipality shall not apply to an existing cannabis establishment located in such municipality if such cannabis establishment does not convert to a different license type, for a period of five years after the adoption of such prohibition or restriction.
(e) Until June 30, 2024, no municipality shall grant zoning approval for more retailers or micro-cultivators than a number that would allow for one retailer and one micro-cultivator for every twenty-five thousand residents of such municipality, as determined by the most recent decennial census.
(f) On and after July 1, 2024, the Commissioner of Consumer Protection may, in the discretion of the commissioner, post on the Department of Consumer Protection's Internet web site a specific number of residents such that no municipality shall grant zoning approval for more retailers or micro-cultivators than would result in one retailer and one micro-cultivator for every such specific number of residents, as determined by the commissioner. Any such determination shall be made to ensure reasonable access to cannabis by consumers.
(g) For purposes of ensuring compliance with this section, a special permit or other affirmative approval shall be required for any retailer or micro-cultivator seeking to be located within a municipality. A municipality shall not grant such special permit or approval for any retailer or micro-cultivator applying for such special permit or approval if that would result in an amount that (1) until June 30, 2024, exceeds the density cap of one retailer and one micro-cultivator for every twenty-five thousand residents, and (2) on and after July 1, 2024, exceeds any density cap determined by the commissioner under subsection (f) of this section. When awarding final licenses for a retailer or micro-cultivator, the Department of Consumer Protection may assume that, if an applicant for such final license has obtained zoning approval, the approval of a final license for such applicant shall not result in a violation of this section or any other municipal restrictions on the number or density of cannabis establishments.
(June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1, S. 148.)
History: June Sp. Sess. P.A. 21-1 effective July 1, 2021 (Revisor's note: In Subsec. (b) “subsection (a) of subdivision (1)” was changed to “subdivision (1) of subsection (a)” for accuracy).
Structure Connecticut General Statutes
Title 21a - Consumer Protection
Chapter 420h - Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis
Section 21a-420. - Definitions.
Section 21a-420a. - Purchase, possession, display, sale or transportation of cannabis legal.
Section 21a-420b. - Enforcement of violations of federal law related to cannabis.
Section 21a-420c. - License required for sale, offering or delivery of cannabis.
Section 21a-420e. - Timeline for initial applications for licensure. Fees for licenses.
Section 21a-420l. - Authorization for expanded activity of producer. Social equity partnership.
Section 21a-420m. - Creation of equity joint ventures by producer. Requirements. Fee.
Section 21a-420n. - Cultivator license.
Section 21a-420p. - Micro-cultivator license.
Section 21a-420q. - Regulations re maximum grow space. Policies and procedures.
Section 21a-420r. - Retailer license.
Section 21a-420s. - Hybrid retailer license.
Section 21a-420w. - Food and beverage manufacturer license.
Section 21a-420x. - Product manufacturer license.
Section 21a-420y. - Product packager license.
Section 21a-421b. - Criminal history records checks required for licensure. Fees.
Section 21a-421c. - Third-party background checks for backer or key employee license applications.
Section 21a-421e. - Project labor agreement required. Civil action for enforcement. Penalty.
Section 21a-421f. - Cannabis business accelerator program.
Section 21a-421g. - Workforce training program for cannabis industry.
Section 21a-421h. - Bond authorization.
Section 21a-421i. - Revolving loan program.
Section 21a-421j. - Regulations required to implement RERACA. Policies and procedures.
Section 21a-421q. - Purchase of cannabis by qualifying patients and caregivers.
Section 21a-421bbb. - Inducement of person under twenty-one to procure cannabis.
Section 21a-421eee. - Loitering on cannabis retailer or hybrid retailer premises.
Section 21a-421hhh. - Certain gifts, sales and transfers of cannabis prohibited. Penalties.
Section 21a-422b. - Positive drug test of student and enrollment in educational institution.
Section 21a-422e. - Program re collection of public health information on cannabis. Report.
Section 21a-422m. - Use of cannabis in hospitals.
Section 21a-422n. - Possession of cannabis in Department of Correction facilities or halfway houses.
Section 21a-422t. - Sign re storage and disposal of cannabis and cannabis products.