Section 21a-NEW - [Newly enacted section not yet numbered] Microbiological contaminant testing(a) Each cannabis establishment shall submit marijuana samples to a cannabis testing laboratory for testing as set forth in subsection (b) of this section.(b)(1) A cannabis testing laboratory shall test each marijuana sample submitted pursuant to subsection (a) of this section (A) for microbiological contaminants, mycotoxins, heavy metals and pesticide chemical residue, and (B) for purposes of conducting an active ingredient analysis, if applicable.(2) Microbiological contaminant testing conducted pursuant to subparagraph (A) of subdivision (1) of this subsection shall include, but not be limited to, microbiological contaminant testing for Aspergillus species as set forth by the Department of Consumer Protection and posted on the department's Internet web site.(c) When conducting microbiological testing as set forth in subsection (b) of this section, the marijuana sample shall be tested by using (1) a molecular method that (A) includes quantitative polymerase chain reaction, (B) is certified for identifying microbiological DNA, and (C) is approved by (i) the Association of Official Analytical Collaboration International, or (ii) a comparable national or international standards organization designated by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection, or (2) an alternative testing method approved by the Department of Consumer Protection and posted on the department's Internet web site.(d) If a marijuana sample does not pass the testing set forth in subsection (b) of this section, the cannabis establishment that submitted such failing marijuana sample to the cannabis testing laboratory shall: (1) Repeat testing as set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section on the marijuana batch from which such marijuana sample was taken, in a form and manner approved by the Department of Consumer Protection. If all repeated testing yields satisfactory results, the marijuana batch from which the marijuana samples were taken shall be released for sale;(2) If such cannabis establishment submits to the Commissioner of Consumer Protection a remediation plan that is sufficient to ensure public health and safety, and the commissioner approves such remediation plan, remediate the marijuana batch from which such marijuana sample was taken and repeat all testing as set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section on such remediated marijuana batch, in a form and manner approved by the Department of Consumer Protection. If all repeated testing yields satisfactory results, the marijuana batch from which the marijuana samples were taken shall be released for sale; or(3) If such cannabis establishment does not comply with subdivision (1) or (2) of this subsection, or if any subsequent laboratory testing does not yield satisfactory results for the testing set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, dispose of the entire marijuana batch from which the marijuana sample was taken in accordance with procedures established by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection, as published on the Department of Consumer Protection's Internet web site.(e) For purposes of the testing set forth in subsections (a) and (b) of this section, the quantity and number of marijuana samples taken shall be sufficient to ensure representative sampling of the corresponding marijuana batch size.Conn. Gen. Stat. § 21a-NEW
Added by P.A. 24-0076,S. 3 of the Connecticut Acts of the 2024 Regular Session, eff. 7/1/2024.