THC drinks again targeted
Staff writer
THC-infused beverages like those being sold at several locations were among items seized as illegal in Kansas Bureau of Investigation raids statewide executing search warrants at vape shops and CBD dispensaries.
“Some THC-infused beverages were seized during these search warrants, but this was not a major focus of the investigations,” Melissa Underwood, communications director for KBI, said.
KBI began the investigation Oct. 1 in hopes of seizing marijuana plants, THC vape cartridges, and other items containing suspected illegal concentrations of THC, the active ingredient in marijuana. In some instances, weapons and currency were also seized, Underwood said.
When the investigation is finished, KBI will submit findings to local prosecutors for charging decisions.
According to KBI Director Tony Mattivi, charges could include unlawful distribution of controlled substances and possession of controlled substances with the intent to sell.
“These illegal substances are in our homes, in our schools, and in the hands of our children,” Mattivi said. “They are so widely accessible that some Kansans are under the impression they are safe.”
Attorney General Kris Kobach called sales of the products “brazen illegal.”
The KBI operation was preceded by an announcement in August that retailers had an unspecified amount of time to remove THC-infused beverages from their shelves.
At that time, Underwood said, “most, if not all” of the beverages were illegal.
“They are only legal if they are hemp-derived and contain less than 0.3% THC,” she said. “This is a very narrow category of beverages, and the burden is on the retailer to make certain the product is legal if it’s on their shelves.”
The Commercial Industrial Hemp Act limits THC concentration in nonmarijuana products to not more than 0.3%.
Marion police earlier took THC beverages from Carlsons’ Grocery in the belief the drinks were illegal, then returned the merchandise to the store six days later on the recommendation of County Attorney Michelle Brown.
Store co-owner Greg Carlson said soon after that he had heard nothing more from his distributor, City Beverage, which contends the products are legal.