Gifting parties—events that allow guests to buy a random item that includes a cannabis “gift”—will be subject to strict rules after Connecticut’s attorney general arrived at an agreement with organizers of one such event that attracted attention of state officials.
Attorney General William Tong announced May 15 that he reached an agreement, with stipulations, that HighBazaar organizers Joseph Accettullo and Cody Roberts can continue running gifting parties, however, the parties will not resemble what they used to be.
For $20 per ticket, attendees could gain entry to the event to buy accessories or other items and receive cannabis “gifts” on the side in an attempt to cut corners—namely, avoiding the law requiring sellers to have a license. Connecticut banned cannabis gifting events in 2022.
Tong alleged that HighBazaar events were essentially cannabis marketplaces that subverted Connecticut’s legal, regulated cannabis market. HighBazaar’s gifting events were canceled last January after Tong issued cease-and-desist orders in a letter to organizers and the venue.
“It appears that these events involve the illegal marketing and sale of cannabis outside of the regulated market and that the events are accessible to individuals under the age of 21,” the letter read. Tong warned that the markets appeared to violate the Connecticut Unfair Trade Practices Act (“CUTPA”), General Statutes § 42-110a, et seq., the Responsible and Equitable Regulation of Adult-Use Cannabis Act, General Statutes § 21a-420, and/or other applicable laws and regulations. But Tong reached an agreement with HighBazaar that will allow them to continue to operate with several restrictions.
“HighBazaar operated unlawful cannabis markets where vendors peddled untested, illegal products. Not anymore. This stipulated judgment forces a series of strong, ongoing obligations, including clear and conspicuous disclosures and acknowledgements that the sale, distribution and exchange of cannabis will be strictly prohibited at any HighBazaar event. …
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Author: Benjamin M. Adams / High Times
