Connecticut cannabis regulators launched a surprise inspection on a marijuana cultivator just a day after its president called out flaws in the state’s testing system, in a move that many are calling retaliatory.
(Photo credit: GETTY Images).
Following the inspection, the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) has since issued a rare public apology, admitting the compliance check “should not have happened.”
Rino Ferrarese, president of licensed cultivator Affinity Grow, testified before lawmakers last Wednesday in support of a proposed bill aimed at tightening regulations on the state’s two cannabis testing labs. During his testimony, Ferrarese criticized the industry’s “inconsistent testing, inflated costs, and regulatory inefficiencies” that fail to benefit public health.
Less than 24 hours later, DCP officials showed up unannounced at Affinity Grow for a compliance inspection—a move that many see as an intimidation tactic. Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli says he was unaware of the inspection and acknowledged it had the appearance of retaliation.
“Everyone should feel safe and comfortable providing testimony at a public hearing without fear of retribution,” Cafferelli stated in a formal apology.
State Rep. Dave Rutigliano called the timing “outrageous” and suggested the inspection was meant to send a chilling message to those pushing for reform.
