Connecticut's consumer protection department apologizes for the perceived retaliation measures in cannabis inspection

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) apologized after an unannounced inspection of Affinity Grow, a cannabis cultivation company that publicly criticized the state's cannabis test protocols shortly after his CEO Rino Ferrarese.

Incident overview

On March 19, 2025, Ferrarese testified to the General Assembly in front of General Law Committee and was committed to the establishment of a body to check and improve the state test procedures. He emphasized concerns about inconsistent test results, inflated costs and regulatory inefficiencies, which in his opinion do not effectively improve public health.

The following day, DCP carried out an unannounced compliance check at Affinity Great. Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli admitted that this inspection was neither approved nor approved by his office. He explained: “This should not have happened. Everyone should feel safe and comfortable if it is a public hearing without being afraid of retaliation or retaliation.” Cafferelli apologized to Ferrarese and the company and emphasized the commitment of the department for the reconstruction of trust.

The reaction from affinity grows

Ferrarese, an outstanding personality in Connecticut's cannabis industry, commented on the immediate recognition and apology of the commissioner. He found that his interactions with DCP were historically professional and constructive, and hopefully he was hopeful for further cooperation in order to tackle the challenges of the industry.

Implications and next steps

This incident underlines the importance of transparent and fair regulatory practices, especially in sectors that have been examined as cannabis cultivation and distribution. The quick apology of the DCP aims to insure the interest groups of the industry through their commitment to impartiality and the open dialogue. In the future, the department can check its internal procedures to prevent similar events and ensure that licensees can express concerns without fear.