Anesthesia Smoke and Convenience and owner, Fadhl Shaif, were first sued by the state in 2024 for selling cannabis products without a license.
A smoke shop in New Haven has been permanently closed by the Attorney General’s office and its owner will pay a $100,000 penalty for violations of cannabis laws.
Anesthesia Smoke and Convenience and its owner, Fadhl Shaif, were first sued by the state in 2024 after investigators say they noted thousands of illegal high-THC products for sale at the premises without a license.
At that time, Anesthesia agreed to a $50,000 judgment, with $25,000 suspended if the store complied with a series of provisions, including ceasing to sell cannabis products.
After the business failed to submit its first annual compliance report, drug control agents from the Department of Consumer Protection visited Anesthesia along with New Haven police officers and reported the store was still selling cannabis products.
The Attorney General’s office filed a motion for contempt on March 30 against Anesthesia and its owner.
Under a settlement announced Tuesday, the store will remain permanently closed and Shaif is permanently barred from owning or operating a business in Connecticut.
Shaif must also cooperate with the state in investigations to identify his suppliers and investors, and pay $100,000 to the state, with an additional $125,000 suspended penalty to ensure he complies with the terms of the settlement.
