Public Act 25-101 Expands Medical Cannabis Certification to Two Years in Connecticut

9 January 2026

Connecticut’s medical cannabis program is entering a new phase after the state enacted Public Act No. 25-101 (Substitute House Bill #6855), a sweeping law that adjusts certification timelines and updates multiple cannabis and hemp regulations.

One of the most noticeable changes allows written certifications for the palliative use of marijuana to remain valid for up to two years. Previously shorter durations were standard, but the law now gives medical providers discretion to set certification periods at six months, one year, eighteen months, or two years.

For some patients, especially those managing long-term qualifying conditions, the extended timeline may mean fewer appointments and less administrative upkeep. It could also provide more predictable access to treatment. Still, the structure assumes that a patient’s medical needs remain relatively stable over the certification period.

The law includes safeguards intended to prevent gaps in access. Licensed dispensaries may grant temporary extensions of expired certifications for up to ninety consecutive days. In certain cases, dispensaries can also issue temporary written certifications after reviewing a patient’s medical history, conducting an in-person assessment, and verifying prescription monitoring data.

There are responsibilities attached to certification status as well. Patients or caregivers must destroy usable marijuana within ten calendar days after a certification expires if they no longer intend to possess it for medical use.

Public Act No. 25-101 reaches beyond the medical program. Retail rules now require that hemp flower sales verify purchasers are at least 21 years old, whether transactions occur in person or through delivery.

Packaging and testing standards for moderate-THC hemp products are also reinforced, and marketing claims about health benefits are restricted.

For cannabis operators, the legislation introduces a temporary cannabis operator license designed for court-appointed managers overseeing businesses during legal proceedings. Lawmakers also expanded the range of establishments eligible to sell, transport, or transfer cannabis products, a shift that may create new logistical pathways within the regulated market.

The act further updates Connecticut’s controlled substance framework by directing regulators to classify additional drugs, including kratom and tianeptine, under controlled substance schedules.

Taken together, the law appears to refine an already regulated market rather than overhaul it. Patients could experience smoother certification processes, while businesses may see incremental operational adjustments. At the same time, product rules and substance classifications suggest continued attention to safety and oversight.

For residents, particularly medical cannabis patients, the practical takeaway may be flexibility paired with responsibility. Longer certifications can offer convenience, but compliance requirements remain detailed, and the broader regulatory environment continues to evolve.