Cannabis Market Drawing Crowds, Lawmaker's Attention In Hamden

HAMDEN, CT — A cannabis market in Hamden known as “High Bazaar” is drawing the attention of state legislators and officials, according to multiple reports.

WTNH News 8 reported that Republican House Minority Leader Vincent Candelora is asking Gov. Ned Lamont to investigate what he called a new marijuana black market.

High Bazaar is described as a “private party” event at 18 Crestway in Hamden where hundreds of people line up on weekends to get their hands on marijuana, according to WFSB 3. High Bazaar promotes its private parties on its Instagram page.

WFSB 3 did an in-depth investigation on the event that has people wondering how it can be legal since legal dispensaries are not set to open in Connecticut until later this year.

High Bazaar co-founder Joseph Raymond told WFSB 3 that the event is like a marketplace with exhibitors showcasing art and apparel with cannabis as the main attraction.

While it won’t be legal to sell or buy recreational marijuana in Connecticut until later this year, the exhibitors are able to get around that through the “gifting” system, according to WFSB 3.

Mayor Lauren Garrett recently announced that the town is establishing a taskforce regarding the sale of cannabis in Hamden.

“This taskforce will author the ordinances related to the growing, distribution, and sale of cannabis in Hamden,” according to a news release from the mayor’s office. “The taskforce will include two (2) ex officio members from Planning and Zoning; two (2) members from the Legislative Council; one (1) member from the Police Department; and four (4) Mayoral appointments.

“This temporary taskforce should complete its work by May 1st, 2022.”

Anyone interested in serving on the taskforce should contact the mayor’s office at 203-287-7009.

Read more on WFSB 3’s in-depth investigation here.