By Galaxy Groves • March 27, 2025
Great news is sprouting for Connecticut’s hemp community. A fresh wave of legislation is blooming — and it could reshape the future for local farmers who’ve struggled to stay afloat.
Earlier this week, the state’s General Law Committee approved a groundbreaking bill that would allow hemp farmers to cultivate cannabis — a move that could revive an industry hit hard by restrictive regulations. This is part of a broader effort to support smaller growers and breathe life back into a once-promising sector.
🌿 Why This Matters
Since the adult-use cannabis market opened in 2021, Connecticut’s hemp industry has withered. State Sen. Cathy Osten pointed out that the number of licensed hemp farmers has dropped from 42 to just 9. “We have to do something that allows, under the federal law, the hemp industry to exist,” Osten said during the committee meeting.
For many, this legislation is more than policy — it’s survival. One farmer even testified that their multi-generation family farm was lost due to the hemp market’s collapse.
Now, this new bill could change that by allowing:
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Higher THC levels in state-grown hemp
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Outdoor growing spots for micro-cultivators (under 25,000 sq. ft.)
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Small-scale sales rooms, similar to brew pubs
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More flexible packaging rules (yes to more colors!)
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Internal investigations of minor in-house thefts without immediate state intervention
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A task force to assess lab testing standards
🌱 Collaboration is Key
There’s also a major opportunity for partnerships between hemp farmers and micro-cultivators, according to Rep. David Rutigliano. These collaborations could boost small business ecosystems, strengthen local agriculture, and make the industry more accessible to a wider range of growers.
Rep. Roland Lemar, the committee co-chairman, sees the bill as a step toward respecting farmers’ rights and increasing business opportunities. While there's still a lot to iron out — including whether local approvals will be needed — the overall sentiment is one of cautious optimism.
🚜 What’s Next?
The bills are headed for further negotiation, redrafting, and (hopefully) floor debates in the House and Senate. If passed, this could open a new chapter for hemp in Connecticut — one where local growers thrive, innovate, and build community-centered cannabis businesses.
At Galaxy Groves, we believe in the power of regenerative agriculture, innovation, and hemp as a cornerstone of sustainability. This is more than a policy win — it’s a hopeful turn toward a more equitable, farmer-friendly future.
Stay tuned, because the green wave is just getting started 🌿
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