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The debate over the presence of Savvy Smoker in Westport continues following a police investigation.
The debate over the presence of Savvy Smoker in Westport continues following a police investigation.
Jolie Gefen ’24
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Savvy Smoker’s continued business evokes criticism

Savvy Smoker License
Savvy Smoker License

How does a community react when businesses break the law? Savvy Smoker, one marker of the growing number of smoke shops in Connecticut, is a perfect example. 

 

Savvy Smoker did not, and does not currently, hold a license for the sale of cannabis. However, following the complaints of Westport residents regarding the sale of products containing marijuana, Westport detectives searched Savvy Smoker and said that they found a significant number of illegal cannabis products. 

The Savvy Smoker Investigation
The Savvy Smoker Investigation

According to the CT Post, investigators seized “hundreds of jars of pre-rolled marijuana cigarettes, also known as joints, and vape cartridges; containers of concentrated resin; synthetic cannabinoids; dozens of packages of THC gummies; marijuana; and packaging materials.” 

 

This search took place in late December. Yet, driving down Post Road, Savvy Smoker is still clearly open for business. 

Interview with Senta Cassell
Interview with Senta Cassell

Westport residents shared their reactions to the continued operations of Savvy Smoker, despite their unlawful activity late last year. 

Senta Cassell, a mother of three kids who have all grown up in Westport, expressed her disappointment and confusion with the situation. 

“They need to abide by the law. A business needs to follow the rules of the law. That’s just what life is,” she said. 

Interview with Kaya Law '24
Interview with Kaya Law ’24

Not all of Westport’s younger demographic shares these views. Kaya Law ’24 holds a more sympathetic understanding of Savvy Smoker’s sale of illegal cannabis.

“I think that everyone has to put food on the table somehow,” Law said. “Personally it doesn’t affect me, so I’m unconcerned with the situation. But overall I think it’s not that big of a deal since it’s not really endangering society at large.”

Interview with Tess Boosin ’24

However, others feel that Savvy Smoker’s continuation of business imposes a risk onto the Westport community.

“Although I agree with the legalization of marijuana in Connecticut,” Tess Boosin ’24 said, “I think selling without a license is wrong because it can be very dangerous for Westport citizens.” 

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About the Contributors
Talia Moskowitz ’24
Talia Moskowitz ’24, Web Managing Editor
Whether she serves as president and founder of the ASL club and or inspires as a captain of the girls’ soccer team, web managing editor Talia Moskowitz ’24 enjoys to lead.  “I love being a part of the Staples community,” Moskowitz said. “I’m on a bunch of sports teams and involved in a bunch of clubs, so I just love being engaged with the school.”  Moskowitz joined Inklings because she loves to write. However, that is not what convinced her to return year after year.   “Seeing your article posted online can make people feel really good about themselves,” Moskowitz said. “I love to be a part of that.”
Jolie Gefen ’24
Jolie Gefen ’24, Web Managing Editor
Web Managing Editor Jolie Gefen ’24 understands what it means to manage and organize, as this past summer she worked as a camp counselor for Westport’s camp Recing Crew.    “It helped me become more of a leader,” Gefen said. “[Recing Crew] gave me lots of skills that I'll be able to grow upon.”  Skillfully over the years, Gefen has learned to take advantage of Staples's numerous resources: one being Inklings. “Inklings allows me to write what I love and helps me formulate my own opinions,” Gefen said. “I look forward to being on a paper in college and pursuing journalism further.”