Connecticut Cannabis Crackdown: AG Sues 7 Local Businesses, Takes Swift Action Against Gifting Events

Seven local cannabis businesses in Connecticut have been slammed with lawsuits filed by Attorney General William Tong on Tuesday.

The Office of the Attorney General said in a press release that there have been violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act in every case, with potential penalties of up to $5,000 for each violation.

The three wholesalers include:

• Shark Wholesale Corp. in Bridgeport;
• Star Enterprise 74, LLC, in New Britain; and
• RZ Smoke, Inc., in Suffield.

The four retailers are:

• Greenleaf Farms in New London;
• Smoker's Corner in Norwich;
• Anesthesia Convenience & Smoke in New Haven; and
• Planet Zaza in East Haven.

AG Tong said these businesses have been selling illegal potent, high-THC cannabis.

"None of these products have been subject to Connecticut's rigorous testing standards or contain appropriate warnings," Tong said. "Some are sold in dangerous and misleading packaging designed to appeal to children. These products are designed to deceive consumers into believing they are safe, tested, and regulated—that is false."

Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli confirmed none of these seven businesses are licensed to sell cannabis products.

See also: 5 Cannabis Retailers Sued, Connecticut AG Alleges THC Products Are Designed To Attract Kids

"Most of the products sold outside of our regulated market are untested and unsafe, especially if consumed by children," Cafferelli explained. "Adults who choose to consume cannabis should shop in the regulated market and keep their products out of sight and out of reach from children and teens."

AG Tong Cracks Down On Recurring Cannabis Gifting Events

Last week, Tong issued a cease and desist letter to HighBazaar, a group that has been hosting recurring cannabis "gifting parties" at the Masonic Temple Day Spring Lodge in Hamden.

"It appears that these events involve the illegal marketing and sale of cannabis outside of the regulated market and that the events are accessible to individuals under the age of 21,” stipulates the letter addressed to organizers Joseph Accetulo and Cody Roberts.

If HighBazaar refuses to do so, Tong's office "will explore all legal options," as events violate the state's Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis Act, the Connecticut Unfair Trade In 2022, Connecticut lawmakers gave the green light to a bill that would ban so-called gifting events involving marijuana, also known as cannabis bazaars. The bill, which advanced through both chambers ended up at Governor Ned Lamont's desk (D) who signed it into law in late May of 2022.

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