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January 4, 2024

AG Tong to unlicensed cannabis markets: ‘Cease holding these events immediately’

YEHYUN KIM | CTMIRROR.ORG Attorney General William Tong makes an announcement about filing suit against ExxonMobil for knowingly contributing to the emissions that cause climate change and hiding it from the public on Sept. 14, 2020 at Canal Dock Boathouse in New Haven.
By Andrew Larson

In the most recent effort to crack down on illegal cannabis markets in Connecticut, Attorney General William Tong on Thursday sent a cease-and-desist letter to HighBazaar, an unlicensed operator based at the Masonic Temple Day Spring Lodge in Hamden.

Tong said that HighBazaar appears to violate multiple state statutes, including the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act and the Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis Act.

Tong said HighBazaar hosts events that involve “the illegal marketing and sale of cannabis outside of the regulated market.” Also, the events may be accessible to people under the age of 21, the minimum age to legally purchase cannabis, he said.

“We request that you cease holding these events immediately,” the letter states. “If you do not do so, our office will explore all legal options.”

Since July 2021, residents 21 and older have been allowed to legally possess and consume cannabis in Connecticut. However, cannabis products may only be sold in the regulated market, which requires testing and strict adherence to rules. 

Tong has sent letters to retailers of electronic vaping products warning them that sale of delta-8 THC by unlicensed retailers may be illegal.
 
Tong’s office has three pending enforcement actions against unlicensed cannabis retailers and has secured judgments against four retailers for alleged violations of the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act over the sale of illegal delta-8 THC. 

Additional investigations are active and ongoing, according to his office.

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