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January 6, 2023

DCP warns of lines, traffic with recreational marijuana launch

PHOTO | MICHELLE TUCCITTO SULLO Pharmacist Ray Pantalena and Gabbi Albert, general manager, at Affinity Health & Wellness in New Haven, pose next to examples of cannabis products.
By Michelle Tuccitto Sullo

The state Department of Consumer Protection is anticipating potential long lines and traffic around hybrid cannabis retailers when the recreational adult use market opens on Jan. 10.

The DCP on Friday urged registered medical marijuana patients to purchase their medicine before the Tuesday launch to avoid expected crowds.

DCP Commissioner Michelle H. Seagull said the department hopes there won’t be any disruption or inconvenience for medical marijuana patients, but “it is always best to be prepared.”

Purchasing medical cannabis products ahead of time, or having medicine delivered, is advised, she said.

“Although many of the hybrid retailers will provide separate checkout counters or cash registers for Medical Marijuana Program patients, they may still experience increased traffic, as well as crowds in and around the hybrid retailers in the opening days of the market,” Seagull added.

The Medical Marijuana Program serves approximately 50,000 patients in Connecticut, individuals who use cannabis-related products for a range of conditions, from cancer to epilepsy to post-traumatic stress disorder. 

While some facilities are converting to hybrid medical/recreational sales, there will still be multiple medical-only dispensary facilities around the state. Visit the DCP’s website for listings. 

Licensed hybrid retailers may begin selling cannabis products to all adults ages 21 and up at 10 a.m. on Jan. 10.

The hybrid retailers include: Affinity Health & Wellness in New Haven; Bluepoint Wellness of Connecticut in Branford, Still River Wellness in Torrington, Fine Fettle Dispensary in Newington, Stamford and Willimantic, The Botanist – Danbury and Montville, and Willow Brook Wellness in Meriden.

Contact Michelle Tuccitto Sullo at msullo@newhavenbiz.com.

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