Connecticut Cannabis Regulators Consider Revoking License of Grower Over Allegations of Misrepresentation and Non-Compliance
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is considering suspending or revoking the license of Affinity Grow, a cannabis cultivator, due to a series of concerns. The company is accused of misrepresenting a cannabis strain and failing to comply with state regulations.
According to the DCP, Affinity Grow entered five samples of a cannabis strain called “Cap Junky” into the state’s tracking system, but the samples were actually from unrelated batches that had previously failed chromium testing. The company is also accused of using solvents in the production of cannabis products without properly testing them for residual solvents.
Affinity Grow’s president, Rino Ferrarese, disputes the allegations, claiming that the dispute is over “bad science.” Ferrarese argues that the company follows the law and is being unfairly targeted for advocating for sound science and fair regulatory practices.
The company has been involved in a dispute with the DCP over the method used to test for chromium, which Ferrarese claims is analytically indefensible. Affinity Grow has commissioned an independent study that found the state’s limit for chromium testing cannot be reliably enforced.
The company has also been accused of using solvents in the production of cannabis products without properly testing them for residual solvents. Ferrarese claims that Affinity Grow properly disclosed the solvent use on the DCP’s registry and has paid for full compliance testing.
The DCP has scheduled a hearing for May 12 to discuss the allegations against Affinity Grow. The company has been involved in a series of inspections and enforcement actions since last year, including an unannounced inspection that was criticized by the company’s president.
The situation highlights the challenges faced by cannabis companies in Connecticut, which is one of the few states that has a comprehensive cannabis testing program. The program is designed to ensure the safety and quality of cannabis products, but it can also be complex and difficult to navigate.
The outcome of the hearing will determine whether Affinity Grow’s license will be suspended or revoked. The company’s president has vowed to continue advocating for sound science and fair regulatory practices, even if it means facing further legal action.
