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In the Spotlight
Stay connected with Affinity Grow to discover our latest milestones, exciting updates, and featured press highlights showcasing our journey as Connecticut's first micro cultivator.
NEW HAVEN INDEPENDENT
“Legal Canna-preneur Seeks Smoke-Shop “Consequences” ”
Rino Ferrarese, a legal cannabis business owner, is advocating for stricter enforcement and penalties on smoke shops selling unregulated cannabis, arguing they undercut the regulated market and pose safety risks.
September 22, 2025
WSHU PUBLIC RADIO
“CT DCP drug director named in unauthorized cannabis inspection”
Following a FOIA request revealing that Rodrick Marriott ordered an unannounced inspection of Affinity Grow just one day after its CEO testified at a public hearing. He later admitted mishearing part of the testimony, the inspection found no violations, disciplinary review followed, and Marriott resigned effective September 2 after 17 years with the agency.
September 16, 2025
CT NEWS JUNKIE
“CT Cannabis Producers Expect More Challenges Due To State Regulation”
Connecticut cannabis producers warn that heavy regulation, surprise inspections, restrictive testing rules, and capped market conditions are stifling industry growth despite legalization.
July 11, 2025
CT POST
“New chief cannabis regulator appointed in Connecticut”
Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection has established a new cannabis division and appointed longtime DCP employee Lila McKinley as director, amid ongoing controversy over surprise cannabis inspections and regulatory enforcement.
April 10, 2025
CT INSIDER
“CT state official apologizes after cannabis business gets surprise inspection”
CT’s consumer protection chief apologized after an unsanctioned surprise inspection of Affinity Grow raised concerns of retaliation against its president, who had just criticized state cannabis testing policies.
March 26, 2025
MJ BIZ
“Connecticut marijuana regulator apologizes for ‘retaliation’ inspection”
After testifying about cannabis testing issues, Rino Ferrarese of Affinity Grow faced an unannounced state inspection, raising concerns of retaliation. Connecticut’s DCP Commissioner later apologized, admitting the inspection "should not have happened."
March 24, 2025
CT MIRROR
“Retaliatory inspection of cannabis cultivator? DCP apologizes.”
Rino Ferrarese testifying Wednesday at public hearing where he urged lawmakers to make changes in the cannabis testing employed by the Department of Consumer Protection. A day later, he was subjected to a retaliatory inspection.
March 21, 2025
PATCH
“What's Opening In East Hampton & Portland? A Look At New Businesses”
There are a few new businesses which have registered recently with the State of Connecticut to open their doors in East Hampton and Portland.
February 28, 2025
WTNH
“This Week in Connecticut: Pardon the pun, the Connecticut marijuana business is growing”
Dennis House talks with Rino Ferrarese of Affinity Grow.
February 9, 2025
GREENWICH TIME
“Connecticut's medical cannabis market has seen decline. Could these proposals change that?”
Affinity Grow’s Rino Ferrarese notes that recreational sales are reducing medical product options. Proposed legislation aims to support patients and small growers.
January 27, 2025
FOX 61
“Problems & policy suggestions for CT cannabis market | The Real Story”
Host Emma Wulfhorst and producer Skylar Haines take The Real Story to Affinity Grow in Portland talking regulated cultivation and retail.
January 26, 2025
NEW HAVEN INDEPENTENT
“I2 Years In, Canna-preneur Battles Bummers”
Affinity's Rino Ferrarese at WNHH FM; some of his company's strains (top). Rino Ferrarese noticed that the people who help him grow cannabis to sell in Connecticut end up.
January 12, 2025
CT NEWS JUNKIE
“Interview | Rino Ferrarese Talks Connecticut Cannabis”
Rino Ferrarese, President of Affinity Grow in Portland, Connecticut, talks about the cannabis industry and Connecticut's first two years allowing the sale of recreational marijuana.
January 4, 2025
CT POST
“2 years in, CT legal recreational cannabis isn't the desired cash cow. Will rules changes help?”
An article from the CT Post dives into Connecticut’s cannabis market trends, focusing on flower, edibles, and the evolving federal cannabis policies.
January 4, 2025
EYE WITNESS NEWS
“New cannabis laws going into effect in Connecticut.”
A WFSB report on "Final Form Package Testing" and its impact on the state's cannabis industry, featuring insights from Rino Ferrarese of Affinity Grow.
December 30, 2024
MIDDLETOWN PRESS
"Affinity Grow seeks to start Portland cannabis delivery service on adjoining property"
A report from The Middletown Press about Affinity Grow's plans to expand its services to include cannabis delivery.
December 2, 2024
CT INSIDER
"Why Connecticut residents are heading out of state to buy cannabis"
A CT Insider article discussing factors influencing consumer behavior, with mentions of Affinity Grow.
November 11, 2024
CT INSIDER
"New cannabis test rules have Connecticut cultivators concerned"
A CT Insider piece mentioning Affinity Grow in the context of new cannabis testing regulations in the state.
September 14, 2024
CT 420 NEWS
"A Look Inside Connecticut’s First Cannabis ‘Micro-cultivator”
An article from CT 420 News providing insights into Affinity Grow's operations and impact on the local cannabis market.
August 6, 2024
CT NEWS JUNKIE
"Connecticut’s Newest Cannabis Micro-Cultivator"
An article from CT News Junkie discussing Affinity Grow's operations in Portland, Connecticut.
April 8, 2024
CT INSIDER
"A look inside Connecticut's first cannabis 'micro-cultivator”
A detailed piece by CT Insider exploring Affinity Grow's facility and its role in the state's cannabis industry.
March 8, 2024
HARTFORD BUSINESS JOURNAL
"After helping launch CT’s largest cannabis grow facility, Rino Ferrarese spearheads startup micro-cultivator"
An article from the Hartford Business Journal focusing on Rino Ferrarese's role in establishing Affinity Grow.
February 19, 2024