Connecticut
One state has a shortage of marijuana. Its neighbor had too much. What to do?
HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) — Marijuana retailers in Connecticut say a dearth of licensed growers in the state’s fledgling legal pot industry has left them with a shortage of product to sell.
The supply problem has appeared after slow retail growth in neighboring New York last year left growers there struggling with the opposite: an excess of supply.
It would seem both problems could easily be solved by shipping product a few miles over state lines. But that would violate federal drug laws. So each state that legalizes marijuana is left with its own process for licensing growers and sellers, and trying to create a balance between the two within state borders.
Benjamin Zachs, the chief operating officer of Fine Fettle, which operates five dispensaries in Connecticut, said he worries that low supply in stores is leading some customers back to their former, illegal dealers, and across state lines where he cannot go to get product.
When recreational sales became legal in Connecticut in January 2023, he said, there were seven dispensaries in the state and four producers.
“Now we’re a year later and there are 26 open dispensaries and only one more producer, grower, cultivator,” Zachs said. “And that’s a micro-cultivator, so that’s only about 5,000 square feet of additional canopy.”
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection, which regulates the industry, said it appears there is a temporary problem as new licenses for growers make their way through the pipeline. Eleven cultivators and five microcultivators, who grow in smaller spaces, have received a provisional license and are moving toward final licensure, the department said.
“As a new agricultural industry, there are natural fluctuations in supply and demand,” said Kaitlyn Krasselt, a department spokesperson. “The limited variety was exacerbated by increased demand over the holiday season, from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. Retailers experienced heavy traffic in relation to the holidays, and the record sales in our December data supports that.”
New York, meanwhile, is emerging from the exact opposite problem it faced while gearing up its legal cannabis market.
Lawsuits and bureaucratic issues slowed the opening of state-licensed dispensaries to a crawl last year. That left the first wave of pot farmers unable to sell much of their fall 2022 harvests because there were too few stores to sell what they grew. With revenue from sales crimped, farmers struggled financially.
New York belatedly hastened the pace of retail openings, and the state listed 61 adult-use dispensaries open statewide Monday. Farmers say the crisis has eased some.
“In the last month it is better because more dispensaries are opening. So we’re beginning to see some momentum to relieve what has been extraordinarily painful,” said Gail Hepworth, who operates Hepworth Farms with her sister in the Hudson Valley.
A check of stores in New York and Connecticut this week found similar pricing, with 3.5 grams of flower selling in each state for between $50 and $75.
Still, the irony of two very different supply chain problems striking adjacent states is not lost on farmers.
“It’s just so unlike any other market, right? Because it has to all be siloed within one state,” said Brittany Carbone, co-founder of Tricolla Farms and a board member of the Cannabis Association of New York.
Retailers are wary that the expected increase in supply doesn’t lead to a glut in Connecticut, as it did just across the border, Zachs said.
“To me, while this is frustrating and annoying and difficult to address, this is a problem that is not unexpected,” he said. “What generally happens in states is that at first there is not enough supply, and then there is an oversupply, and that creates a total mess.”
Still, he’s wary of any push for a national law and standard, which he fears would lead to large corporations taking over the industry from smaller farms.
“States are rightfully focusing on entrepreneurs in areas impacted by the war on drugs — Black and brown communities,” he said. “Even the largest cannabis growers right now are startups, I would argue. And the story of the regular American family farm is a cautionary one, I would argue, when we look at solutions to this.”
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Hill reported from Altamont, N.Y.
Connecticut
Two arrested after armed robbery in Wethersfield Saturday night
Two people have been arrested according to Wethersfield Police in connection to an armed robbery at a Family Dollar on Silas Deane Highway Saturday night.
According to police a store clerk said one of the suspects was a male who displayed a handgun and stole merchandise from the store.
They say he was accompanied by a female when fleeing the scene in a red Hyundai Elantra before police arrived.
At 10:43 p.m. Hartford Police officers found the suspect’s vehicle and detained them where they were positively identified as 57-year-old Miguel Ramirez of New Britain and 48-year-old Susette Mendes of Hartford.
During the investigation, police say Ramirez admitted to selling the stolen merchandise in Hartford and was found in possession of a knife.
Ramirez was charged with first-degree robbery, sixth-degree larceny and sixth-degree conspiracy to commit larceny.
Mendes was charged with first-degree robbery, sixth-degree larceny, sixth-degree conspiracy to commit larceny and possession of a controlled substance.
They were each held on a $50,000 bond and scheduled to appear in New Britain Superior Court on Monday.
Connecticut
Bridgeport firefighter is dead after Stratford shooting
A Bridgeport firefighter is dead after a homicide in Stratford, according to officials.
At approximately 1:44 a.m., the Stratford Police Department responded to a report of a shooting on Feeley Street.
Upon arrival, officers found a male bleeding heavily from a gunshot wound. He was pronounced dead on the scene shortly after by paramedics.
The firefighter was identified as 41-year-old Terrence Cramer of Bridgeport.
Cramer was an active-duty Bridgeport Firefighter for the last 9.5 years.
“Chief Edwards and the Bridgeport Fire Department are aware of the passing of Bridgeport Firefighter Terrence Cramer. We send our heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Terrence,” said Bridgeport Public Information Officer Shawnna White.
After a brief motor vehicle pursuit, 41-year-old Jabari Bush was taken into custody in Derby at approximately 4:30 p.m. on Saturday.
Earlier in the day, a felony arrest warrant for the murder of Terrence Cramer was charged to Bush.
Bush is charged with Murder, Home Invasion and Criminal Possession of a Firearm.
He is being held on a $2 million court set bond. His court date is issued for March 30, 2026.
The Stratford Police Department was assisted by the New Haven Police Department, the Seymour Police Department, the Shelton Police Department, the Derby Police Department and the Connecticut State Police.
Connecticut
6 Best Connecticut Towns For A Weekend Trip
Known for its captivating coastlines along the breathtaking Long Island Sound, Connecticut has spectacular destinations for unforgettable weekend adventures. Prepare for a dreamy getaway where history, beauty, and culture converge through mesmerizing medieval-style mansions such as the one at Gillette Castle State Park. You can also explore the rich maritime history of Mystic through the Mystic Seaport Museum or experience cascading waterfalls at Kent Falls State Park. So, read on to discover even more about the 6 best Connecticut towns for a weekend trip.
Mystic
From exquisite galleries to eye-catching coastal pathways and endless opportunities for shopping and dining, Mystic is very diverse. Start by diving into America’s seafaring history at the Mystic Seaport Museum. Here, you will find treasures, including four National Historic Landmark vessels and over 500 historic watercraft. Next, meet intriguing creatures at the Mystic Aquarium. This non-profit organization is home to thousands of animals, covering marine mammals, reptiles, invertebrates, and fish.
If you are more of a creative, see rotating exhibitions created by notable regional artists at the Mystic Museum of Art, a place for culture, community, and creativity. Next, find out what unique gifts and souvenirs are available in Olde Mistick Village. This open-air shopping village features a wide range of stores, with over 40 shops and eateries to explore in a beautiful, colonial-style, pet-friendly environment. When you are ready to rest, stay right outside the village at the Holiday Inn Express Mystic. Enjoy on-site amenities like a fitness center, pool, free breakfast, and complimentary coffee in a convenient central location.
Litchfield
Plan a peaceful, picture-perfect escape surrounded by nature and 18th-century architecture in Litchfield, one of the best Connecticut towns for a weekend trip. Soak in the scenery of Mount Tom State Park as you climb 1,325 feet to the summit, or simply sit back and relax by the pond. Nature lovers can explore the eye-catching trails of the White Memorial Conservation Center. This wonderful nature preserve has a historic regional museum and a 4,000-acre wildlife sanctuary.
After getting your steps in, treat yourself to a dreamy trip to the winery. Taste quality varietals underneath stunning skies or in a rustic tasting room at Sunset Meadow Vineyards, only a few minutes’ drive from The Litchfield Inn. This lovely boutique hotel offers complimentary breakfast, a fitness center, and lush, rolling hills.
Niantic
Find your own piece of Northeast paradise in Niantic, one of Connecticut’s most beautiful small towns. Wander along the Niantic Bay Boardwalk, a 1.1-mile path stretching from Cini Park to Hole-in-the-Wall Beach along Long Island Sound. Go swimming off the sandy shores in the summer, accessible by a short tunnel underneath the railroad tracks. Once you have soaked up the sun, see what treasures you can find in The Book Barn. This Main Street haven features over 350,000 books, along with exciting games, vibrant gardens, and adorable farm animals. After a day of exploring, head to The Niantic Inn. This cozy hotel, located a few minutes east, is known for its excellent location near the shore, shops, and restaurants.
Madison
Book a dreamy getaway to Madison, your typical New England beach town. From picturesque coastlines to pedestrian-friendly pathways with quaint cafes, award-winning bookstores, and charming boutiques, this is one of Connecticut’s best getaway towns. Experience the beauty of Hammonasset Beach State Park, the state’s longest shoreline park. The site includes two miles of sandy beaches along with a peaceful nature preserve. Home to the Meigs Point Nature Center, you can find over 50 species of local wildlife, educational displays, and unbeatable views. After an afternoon of adventures, spend a relaxing evening in Madison Cinemas. This independently owned cinema presents films in 7.1 Surround Sound for a highly immersive experience. Regarding accommodations, Scranton Seahorse Inn is only a two-minute walk away. Stay in a cozy room in the heart of town, where history and renovated comforts combine in a 1833 Greek revival home.
East Haddam
Approximately 45 minutes from Madison, you will find East Haddam, one of the state’s most remarkable yet under-the-radar small towns. Start your weekend at Gillette Castle State Park. Explore the modern medieval stone castle with spectacular views from 200 feet above the Connecticut River. To further immerse yourself in nature, head to Devil’s Hopyard State Park. From cascading waterfalls to wonderful bird-watching and trout fishing opportunities, the park is full of gems. Make sure you visit the Eightmile River, a National Scenic and Wild River designated by the U.S. Forest Service. Capture photos of Chapman Falls, dropping more than 60 feet over the Scotland Schist stone formation. City lovers wanting to explore Main Street should head to the Victorian-era Goodspeed Opera House. Watch a mesmerizing musical from April through December in this architectural wonder. Finally, end the night with a historic stay mixed with modern amenities in The Boardman House Inn. Located right up the street, this luxe bed and breakfast was constructed with Second Empire architecture in 1860, immersing you in a journey back in time.
Kent
Unlock the perfect combination of history and nature in Kent, an extraordinary spot in the Litchfield Hills. Famous for its fall foliage, Appalachian hiking trails, and quaint Main Street shops, this New England town offers plenty to do. Begin your adventure in Kent Falls State Park. There, you will see a striking series of waterfalls dropping into the Housatonic River. From there, wander across the Bulls Bridge. Constructed in 1842, this historic treasure is one of the few functional covered bridges remaining in the state. The Connecticut Antique Machinery Museum is another site you must not miss. Its 8-acre museum space boasts unique machinery depicting the area’s rich industrial and agricultural history. If you are looking for distinct accommodations that will truly connect you with the heart of Kent, stay at the Spirit Horse Farm. The charming small family farm offers comfortable lodging in a historic setting that will make for a truly unforgettable escape.
Plan Your Weekend Escape In Connecticut
If you would like to see plenty of diverse attractions in a short period of time, Connecticut is the perfect place to explore. Discover a dreamy mix of natural beauty, maritime history, art, and New England-style architecture in this coastal haven. From the gorgeous galleries and notable museums of Mystic, to the expansive boardwalks of Niantic, and the striking Appalachian trails and outdoor museums of Kent, these are the 6 best Connecticut towns for a weekend trip.
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