DCP details remote pharmacy rules for Connecticut cannabis retailers; 8 in-person hours, 1:3 tech ratio, strict PHI safeguards

Lila McKinley, director of the Cannabis Control Division at the Department of Consumer Protection, outlined new guidance allowing remote pharmacy work for hybrid cannabis retailers and dispensary facilities and explained the department’s interpretation of recently enacted statutory requirements.

McKinley said the public act authorizing remote pharmacy permits telehealth consultations for qualifying patients and caregivers and remote dispensing, but it does not eliminate in-person requirements. “There still is a requirement that a pharmacist dispense. However, they can do so remotely,” she said, adding that the department must follow what the statute requires.

Why this matters: the guidance affects how licensed cannabis retailers staff stores, protect patient privacy, retain records and demonstrate compliance for possible audits. McKinley told attendees that each licensed facility must register a pharmacist as a key employee and meet two minimum hour tests per license: a pharmacist registered for 20 hours per calendar week (for telehealth availability) and at least 8 consecutive in-person…