New Haven City Plan Commission Backs Medical Cannabis Sales at Long Wharf

NEW HAVEN, CT — The City Plan Commission unanimously supported INSA CT Retail II LLC's request for a cannabis hybrid retailer special permit at 222 Sargent Drive on Wednesday, Oct. 21, the New Haven Independent reported.

The vote came during the commission's latest monthly online meeting. The site is in the Mixed-Use Long Wharf district, inside a single-story industrial building that formerly housed Long Wharf Theatre.

INSA Plans to Add Medical Sales

The dispensary opened adult-use sales at the site in May 2024. INSA's Steve Reilly told commissioners state lawmakers changed Connecticut's rules earlier this year, removing the on-site licensed pharmacist requirement for medical sales. Reilly said the change makes a combined operation much more efficient.

Recreational sales would continue, Reilly said, with one existing register dedicated to medical sales. The space would not be reconfigured. INSA is changing its procedures with the state Department of Consumer Protection, which regulates Connecticut's cannabis industry.

Commissioners and Alders Discussed the Request

Westville Alder Adam Marchand, a commission member, asked whether the change would require interior construction. Reilly said it would not. Marchand later spoke in support, saying, "It's just adding medical in addition to the recreational."

Hill Alder Carmen Rodriguez backed the request during the public hearing. "We have no incidents with them," she said of the Long Wharf dispensary. "They are good business owners." Rodriguez also said, "We've had no hanging out, no issues." "So I am in support."

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