HARTFORD, Conn. – Anesthesia Smoke and Convenience in New Haven has been permanently closed, and its owner is barred from operating any business in Connecticut following repeated violations of state cannabis laws, Attorney General William Tong announced Thursday.

The owner, Fadhl Shaif, must also pay $100,000 to the state as part of a settlement reached in a contempt proceeding brought by the Office of the Attorney General.

“Legal cannabis is not a free-for-all. If you are unlicensed, if you sell bootleg, unregulated cannabis, we will find you and we will hold you accountable,” said Attorney General Tong.

The case began in 2024 when Attorney General Tong filed a lawsuit against Anesthesia and Shaif after multiple unannounced visits by investigators observed thousands of illegal high-THC products for sale without a necessary cannabis license. The store agreed to a $50,000 stipulated judgment, with $25,000 suspended if Anesthesia complied with a series of provisions, including a prohibition on offering cannabis products for sale without a license. The store was also required to submit annual compliance reports.

However, Anesthesia failed to submit its first annual compliance report, and Drug Control Agents from the Department of Consumer Protection later visited the store on two separate occasions and reported hundreds of cannabis products still on sale, in clear violation of the agreement. The New Haven Police Department participated in one of those inspections.

The Office of the Attorney General filed a motion for contempt on March 30. Thursday’s settlement forces the permanent closure of the business and a permanent injunction against Shaif from owning or operating any business in Connecticut. Shaif must cooperate with ongoing investigations to identify his suppliers and investors. He is further obligated to pay $100,000, with an additional $125,000 suspended to guarantee compliance.

Department of Consumer Protection Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli emphasized the importance of the regulated cannabis market.

“The purpose of the regulated cannabis market is to provide a safe space and rules for product testing and labels that help adult consumers make informed decisions,” Cafferelli said. “Businesses selling unregulated cannabis products often skirt other laws meant to protect consumers, including selling products to minors, and selling products that have not been properly tested.”

New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker said the closure should serve as a warning to other businesses.

“Smoke shops that are selling cannabis illegally will be held accountable. Anesthesia Smoke Shop is now closed for good, and this should serve as a warning to other businesses: follow the law or there will be a steep price to pay,” Elicker said.

Under Connecticut law, individuals age 21 and over can legally possess and consume cannabis. However, cannabis products may only be sold in the regulated market and must meet rigorous testing and packaging requirements. Products sold outside the regulated market remain illegal and may subject sellers to civil and criminal penalties.

In spite of these regulations, investigators continue to find illegal cannabis products at vape shops and gas stations during unannounced visits, including blunts, marijuana flower, and edibles that mimic popular youth-oriented snack foods. Illegal look-alike cannabis products pose a health threat to children who may unknowingly ingest high doses of potent psychoactive chemicals.

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