LITTLE ROCK (KATV) — The Pine Bluff Police Department Vice & Narcotics Division was engaged in an extensive investigation into smoke shops that were selling marijuana products containing an illegal amount of THC concentration.
According to Arkansas State Statute 5-64-215, the sale of hemp-based cannabidiol products which holds no more than 0.3% Delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol in dry weight form is permitted.
PBPD stated in a Facebook post that THC-A products and federal hemp laws not being fully understood is likely what caused the disconnect in understanding.
Shop owners included in the investigation said that they believed they were following Arkansas law.
The department launched the city-wide effort to start examining smoke shops on June 25, 2024.
Products were later seized and submitted to the Arkansas State Crime Lab for testing.
Results from examinations showed that products picked up from the smoke shops had THC concentrations classified as being above the legal threshold.
Some products even tested at 1% or more, which is illegal under Arkansas law.
Every known smoke shop in the city was later visited by Vice and Narcotics Detectives, and all marijuana products labeled as THC-A were seized.
Owners were instructed to remove all illegal products from the shops immediately and halt future sales, after detectives returned to their place of business to issue cease-and-desist orders.
Some businesses acted upon the order made by PBPD and ceased further sales, while others continued to illegally sell and will now face criminal charges.
PBPD urges all retailers to swiftly remove THC-A flower products, and also any chemically induced cannabinoid products from shelves if the items are over legal THC limits.
For those who have questions or would like to share tips on suspected illegal activity, contact the Pine Bluff Police Department Vice & Narcotics Division at (870)-543-5119.
The Pine Bluff Police Department Vice & Narcotics Division was engaged in an extensive investigation into smoke shops that were selling marijuana products conta Read More
