Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) issued an apology for conducting what seemed to be a retaliatory inspection of a cannabis grower. This incident occurred just one day after the CEO of Affinity Grow, Rino Ferrarese, criticized DCP testing protocols during his testimony at the General Assembly.
DCP Commissioner Bryan Cafferelli expressed remorse both publicly and privately, stating that the inspection, termed an “unannounced compliance check,” was conducted without his knowledge or approval. He emphasized that individuals should feel safe to provide testimony without fearing repercussions. Cafferelli affirmed, “We will work to rebuild the trust of the committee, our credential holders and the public.”
The DCP did not disclose who ordered or conducted the inspection, labeling it a personnel matter being handled internally. However, a spokesperson for the department, Kaitlyn Krasselt, confirmed that the inspection did not uncover any violations of state regulations or laws.
Ferrarese, a key figure in Connecticut’s cannabis sector, had previously testified in favor of legislation aimed at establishing a panel to review testing regulations. He argued that the current protocols result in “inconsistent testing, inflated costs, and regulatory inefficiencies, all without a clear benefit to public health.” His concerns highlighted that medical cannabis testing focuses on batch testing before packaging, rather than the “final form” testing required for adult recreational marijuana, which involves inspecting packaged products.
During his testimony, Ferrarese stated, “We want bulk testing so they can come in and actually see the batch.” He pointed out that testing only packaged cannabis does not provide a representative sample of the product.
In Connecticut, cannabis is tested for various contaminants, including pesticide residues and heavy metals, as well as the potency of active ingredients like tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Ferrarese insisted on the need for precise testing, asserting, “We’re not looking for an easy way out. Nobody’s asking for that.”
Following the incident, Ferrarese refrained from commenting further but confirmed that Commissioner Cafferelli had apologized. The committee’s Democratic co-chairs, Sen. James Maroney and Rep. Roland J. Lemar, expressed concerns that even the perception of retaliatory actions could deter regulated entities from speaking out. They emphasized the importance of open dialogue in government processes, with Maroney stating that “open government is better.”
Both lawmakers expressed confidence in Cafferelli after their discussions, with Lemar noting that it was clear the inspection action was unacceptable.
