(a) On and after July 1, 2021, the department may issue or renew a license for a hybrid retailer. No person may act as a hybrid retailer or represent that such person is a hybrid retailer unless such person has obtained a license from the department pursuant to this section.

(b) A hybrid retailer may obtain cannabis from a cultivator, micro-cultivator, producer, product packager, food and beverage manufacturer, product manufacturer or transporter. In addition to the activities authorized under § 21a-420t, a hybrid retailer may sell, transport or transfer cannabis to a delivery service, laboratory or research program. A hybrid retailer may sell cannabis products to a consumer or research program. A hybrid retailer shall not gift or transfer cannabis at no cost to a consumer, qualifying patient or caregiver as part of a commercial transaction.

(c) In addition to conducting general retail sales, a hybrid retailer may sell cannabis and medical marijuana products, to qualifying patients and caregivers. Any cannabis or medical marijuana products sold to qualifying patients and caregivers shall be dispensed by a licensed pharmacist and shall be recorded in the electronic prescription drug monitoring program, established pursuant to § 21a-254, in real-time or immediately upon completion of the transaction, unless not reasonably feasible for a specific transaction, but in no case longer than one hour after completion of the transaction. Only a licensed pharmacist or dispensary technician may upload or access data in the prescription drug monitoring program.

(d) A hybrid retailer shall maintain a licensed pharmacist on premises at all times when the hybrid retail location is open to the public or to qualifying patients and caregivers.

(e) The hybrid retailer location shall include a private consultation space for pharmacists to meet with qualifying patients and caregivers. Additionally, the hybrid retailer premises shall accommodate an expedited method of entry that allows for priority entrance into the premises for qualifying patients and caregivers.

(f) Hybrid retailers shall maintain a secure location, in a manner approved by the commissioner, at the licensee’s premises where cannabis that is unable to be delivered may be returned to the hybrid retailer. Such secure cannabis return location shall meet specifications set forth by the commissioner and published on the department’s Internet web site or included in regulations adopted by the department.

(g) Cannabis dispensed to a qualifying patient or caregiver that are unable to be delivered and are returned by the delivery service to the hybrid retailer shall be returned to the licensee inventory system and removed from the prescription drug monitoring program not later than forty-eight hours after receipt of the cannabis from the delivery service.

(h) A hybrid retailer may not convert its license to a retailer license. To obtain a retailer license, a hybrid retailer shall apply through the lottery application process. A hybrid retailer may convert to a dispensary facility if the hybrid retailer complies with all applicable provisions of chapter 420f, and upon written approval by the department.