Connecticut marijuana regulators have issued new signage requirements for licensed dispensary facilities and hybrid retailers, including signs identifying an available pharmacist and informing customers that consultations are available.
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection’s Cannabis Control Division issued the notice Friday, August 28, citing requirements established under Public Act 26-8.
Under the requirements, dispensary facilities and hybrid retailers must post a sign at their main entrance identifying the licensed pharmacist available to provide consultations to qualifying medical marijuana patients and caregivers. The pharmacist may be available either in person or through telehealth.
The entrance sign must be at least 12 inches high and 18 inches wide, with lettering that is clear and legible.
Businesses must also conspicuously display signs at each register or comparable point of sale stating, “Pharmacist available for consultation.” Those signs must measure at least eight inches high and 10 inches wide and use clear, legible lettering.
The same pharmacist-availability notice must also be posted on the establishment’s website.
The Department of Consumer Protection has developed sample signs that dispensaries and hybrid retailers can use to comply with the requirements, although businesses are not required to use the state’s specific design. Regulators said establishments that use the provided signs should ensure they are printed at the required dimensions.
The pharmacist signage adds to several existing posting requirements for Connecticut marijuana businesses. Depending on the license type, establishments are already required to display notices related to licensing verification, medical marijuana sales, high-potency cannabis, mold risks, safe storage and disposal, and the reporting of dispensing errors.
Connecticut legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, with licensed adult-use sales beginning in January 2023.
Connecticut Issues New Signage Requirements for Marijuana Dispensaries and Hybrid Retailers
The Govt info
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The following signage is required at licensed dispensary facilities, hybrid retailers and/or retailers:
- Licensed Cannabis Establishment – Section 10 of Public Act 25-166 requires all licensed cannabis establishments to post signage developed by the Department of Consumer Protection which includes a quick response (QR) code for consumers to verify that the establishment is licensed. The signage is in the form of a sticker provided by the Department to be posted on an exterior door or window of each cannabis establishment.
- Medical Cannabis – Section 24 of Public Act 25-166 requires all hybrid retailers to post a symbol denoting the sale of medical cannabis products on the exterior of the hybrid retailer. The required symbol is available on the department’s website.
- Health Risks of Mold and Mold Remediation – Section 30 of Public Act 25-166 requires all dispensary facilities, hybrid retailers and retailers to post signage to prominently display signage disclosing (A) the possible health risks related to mold and, (B) the use and possible health risks related to the use of mold remediation techniques. The signage is available on the department’s website.
- High-Potency Cannabis – Section 30 of Public Act 25-166 also requires all dispensary facilities, hybrid retailers and retailers to post signage informing consumers, qualifying patients and caregivers of health risks associated with high-potency cannabis. The signage is available on the department’s website.
- Name of Licensed Dispensary – Sections 31(d) and 67(d) of Public Act 26-8, requires all dispensary facilities and hybrid retailers to post the name of the licensed dispensary at the main entrance. Sample signage can be found here. The sign must:
- Be at least twelve inches in height and eighteen inches in width;
- Incorporate lettering in a size and style that is clear and legible; and,
- State the name of the licensed pharmacist who is available for qualifying patient and caregiver consultations either in-person or through telehealth.
- Pharmacist Available for Consultation – At each register or comparable point of sale within the location, as well as on their website, the establishment must post signs that state “Pharmacist available for consultation” in a clear and legible manner. (Sections 31(d) and 67(d) of Public Act 26-8) Sample signage can be found here. Signs must:
- Be at least eight inches in height and ten inches in width; and,
- Incorporate lettering in a size and style that is clear and legible.
- Storage and Disposal of Cannabis – Connecticut General Statutes Section 21a-422t requires hybrid retailers and retailers post a sign notifying consumers that they may visit the Internet web site of the Department of Consumer Protection for information concerning the safe storage of cannabis and cannabis products and disposal of unused and expired cannabis and cannabis products.
- Dispensing Errors – Section 21a-421j-20(b) of the Policies and Procedures requires dispensary facilities and hybrid retailers to display a sign about the reporting of dispensing errors in a conspicuous location visible to qualifying patients and caregivers. The sign must:
- Be a minimum of eight inches in height and ten inches in width
- Have lettering in a size and style that allows such sign to be read without difficulty by qualifying patients and caregivers; and,
- State the following, “If you have a concern that an error may have occurred in the dispensing of your cannabis, you may contact the Department of Consumer Protection, Drug Control Division, by emailing DCP.RxError@ct.gov or calling (860) 713-6065.”
- Hemp Manufacturer Products – Signage pertaining to hemp manufacturer products as required by Public Act 23-166 must be approved by the Department prior to being posted. The sign should be a separate sign and not part of any product advertisement or name. It should clearly and conspicuously state the following: