Connecticut Accused of Shutting Down Consumer Cannabis Info Website

The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) is being accused of shutting down a cannabis information website over its use of cannabis strain names, the Hartford Courant reports. DCP Spokeswoman Kaitlyn Krasselt told the Courant that the owners of Terp Street had agreed to remove the so-called “street names” for cannabis from the website after being contacted by the agency but then decided to shut down the site instead.

DCP does not allow the use of standard strain names for medical cannabis products—such as “Fruity Pebbles,” “Wedding Cake,” and “Do-si-dos”—because officials cannot verify the strain purchased outside of the regulated market is the same as that purchased at licensed dispensaries.

“Additionally many of the names are inappropriate for medical products and in several cases would appeal to children or inappropriately encourage recreational use of medical products. If they’re not getting adequate information about what’s prescribed they should definitely let us know that. It’s a shame that they feel this website is the only place they’re getting their information.” — Krassalt to the Courant

Earlier this month, the state launched its own cannabis information website which includes information on what parts of the state’s adult-use law are currently in effect and on the state’s medical cannabis program.

The shutdown of the site has led to criticism of DCP on social media, including claims that dispensary managers notified the agency about the site.

Carl Tirella, general manager in Connecticut of Acreage Holdings—the parent company of the dispensaries accused of notifying state officials—indicated that employees from Terp Street contacted the company’s dispensaries two years ago asking them to share information about their products. In a statement to the Courant, he neither confirmed nor denied whether managers at the dispensaries informed the DCP.

“We appreciate those in Connecticut who advocate for cannabis education as we ourselves are strong advocates for cannabis accessibility, affordability, and education,” he said in the statement to the Courant. “We believe—and it is always our intent—in providing as much medicinal cannabis information as possible with patients in Connecticut.”