Lamont, Tong and Cafferelli Move to Dismiss Hemp Sales Lawsuit

March 13, 2025 – Hartford, CT – Governor Ned Lamont, Attorney General William Tong, and other top Connecticut officials have moved to dismiss a lawsuit challenging new state laws regulating the sale of hemp-derived products. Their legal response argues that the plaintiffs, a group of smoke shop owners operating under the “Puff City” brand, have no legal standing and fail to present a valid claim.

The lawsuit, filed by multiple business owners, seeks to overturn three state laws (Public Acts 24-76, 24-115, and 24-95) and a related statute, arguing that they conflict with federal law, specifically the 2018 Farm Bill. However, the state officials counter that the Farm Bill does not create a private right of action and explicitly allows states to regulate hemp, making the plaintiffs’ argument fundamentally flawed.

Additionally, the motion to dismiss highlights that the plaintiffs fail to demonstrate any actual harm caused by the laws, making their claims under the Dormant Commerce Clause and vagueness doctrine legally weak. The state further argues that even if the case proceeds, Lamont and Chief State’s Attorney Patrick Griffin should be removed as defendants due to Eleventh Amendment protections.

With the state presenting a strong legal foundation to dismiss the case, it appears unlikely that the plaintiffs’ lawsuit will hold up in court. Whether the court agrees remains to be seen, but the motion suggests the state’s position is on firm ground.