In 2018, Congress passed a law that legalized industrial hemp, leading to a surge of CBD products and ending a major facet of the drug war.
However, as highlighted by a recent piece in the Dallas Observer, some law enforcement agencies in Texas still operate based on old viewpoints. A recent article sheds light on an unexpected raid at Venom Vapors in Killeen, Texas. Officials, including the fire marshal, arrived following a tip concerning illicit activities at the shop.
For Kyle Brown, the store’s owner, the unexpected visit was bewildering and he shared his experience with the Observer.
From the report:
The officials found minor violations in the store, such as wrongly connected extension cords. But their primary focus was the hemp products, especially those labeled delta-8, delta-10, and THCa. Many of the items sold at Venom Vapors are accompanied by a certificate of analysis (COA), proving their legality. One detective, however, told Brown that a COA for a delta-8 dab product showed excessive THC levels, rendering it illegal.
Despite Brown’s objections and clarification regarding the COA’s contents, the situation deteriorated. Brown shared with the paper that the officers misinterpreted the COA and used it against them, which was deeply concerning.
In a subsequent press release, the Killeen Police detailed their side, stating the discovery of narcotics and the arrest of several individuals on various charges.
Recent events like these have become more common in North Texas, as noted by the Dallas Observer.
Brown believes the COA was misused to obtain a search warrant. During the raid, a significant amount of products and money was confiscated, along with alleged gambling machines, which Brown insists are legal.
In a related development, despite local voters in Denton, Texas passing an ordinance to decriminalize marijuana, local authorities have ignored this mandate. The ordinance would have limited the police’s ability to penalize individuals for possessing small amounts of marijuana.
However, Denton’s city manager, Sara Hensley, expressed concerns about implementing the ordinance due to potential state law conflicts. By June, the city council decided against its adoption, even though the city’s mayor mentioned that officers could choose not to penalize for marijuana possession.
OTHER NEWS: Texas Court Upholds Legality of Delta-8 THC
