Connecticut Attorney General William Tong issued cease and desist letters to HighBazaar, an organizer of an unlicensed cannabis market within the state, and to the Masonic Temple Day Spring Lodge in Hamden, which hosts the market.
According to Green Market Report, the market in question seeks to exploit a loophole in state law by allowing vendors to “gift” marijuana products to customers purchasing non-cannabis items. Although the possession and consumption of cannabis products by residents over the age of 21 is legal in Connecticut, these products can only be sold in the regulated market and must meet state testing and packaging mandates.
“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,” said Tong in his letter. “These events appear to violate the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (CUTPA), General Statutes § 42-110a, et seq., the Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis Act, General Statutes § 21a-420, et seq., and/or other applicable laws and regulations. We request that you cease holding these events immediately. If you do not do so, our office will explore all legal options.”
