By Peyton Majors
Christian Action League
July 19, 2024
A month-long investigation by law enforcement in one North Carolina county has led to the search and seizure of products that contain higher-than-allowed amounts of THC and are illegal under state law.
The investigation by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office in Statesville in recent weeks culminated on July 12 with search warrants being executed at seven smoke and vape shops, where law enforcement confiscated items that are labeled as hemp or CBD flower, for example, but contain levels of THC that legally define them as marijuana.
The sheriff’s office, assisted by the Trademark Enforcement Division of the North Carolina Secretary of State’s Office, seized approximately 20 pounds of marijuana products and 664 pieces of counterfeit merchandise.
THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the primary psychoactive compound found in cannabis and is responsible for the “high” associated with marijuana use. In North Carolina, products containing more than 0.3 percent THC are classified as marijuana and are subject to strict regulations and legal restrictions.
Undercover investigators from the sheriff’s office had purchased products from the shops and subjected them to testing, which revealed THC levels exceeding the legal limits. Further undercover purchases exposed even higher THC concentrations, with some products containing up to five times the legal limit, according to the sheriff’s office.
The sheriff’s office hadreceived public complaints that the stores were selling items to school-aged children.
“The individuals involved in these activities are targeting our children,” said Sheriff Darren Campbell. “No matter where you are in the county, we will relentlessly enforce the law to protect our community.”
Earlier this year, Bryan House, the director for North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement (ALE), told a legislative committee that illegal products are widespread throughout the state.
“Just to give you a snapshot of that trend, in 2023, we’ve tested 65 products and 52 of those came back over the legal 0.3% THC limit and the range is from just above [the legal limit] all the way to 9.79% Delta Nine THC,” House said, according to WSOC.
Rev. Mark Creech, executive director of the Christian Action League, applauded law enforcement in Iredell County for their resolve.
“The thorough investigation and decisive action taken by the Iredell County Sheriff’s Office demonstrates a strong commitment to protecting their community, especially children, from the dangers of illegal THC products,” Creech said. “It’s crucial that we stand firm against those who seek to profit at the expense of public safety and the well-being of our youth. I commend the law enforcement officers involved for their unwavering dedication to enforcing the law and safeguarding our community.”
Sheriff’s deputies seized items at the following shops: De Javu Vape Shop, 1402 Wilkesboro Highway; 88 Tobacco and Vape, 942 Davie Avenue; Tobacco and Vape, 1737 G Wilkesboro Highway; EZ Path Smoke Shop, 1000 Davie Avenue; Discount Tobacco Shop, 3454 E Broad Street; The REC, 1800 Newton Drive; and Jimmy’s EZ Pass 1 Stop, 1206 W Front Street.
Rev. Creech added, “I hope law enforcement agencies in other counties will see these kinds of shops for what they often are – places that are pushing the envelope, normalizing cannabis use, and where illegal activity happens. I tell you the truth – marijuana is not medicine and it is not a harmless drug. Marijuana is the big business of respiratory issues, cardiovascular problems, gastrointestinal issues, cognitive impairment, anxiety, depression, psychosis, addiction and dependence, poor academic and job performance, relationship issues, and arrests and convictions. You should see the numerous lobbyists running around the halls of the General Assembly trying to legalize marijuana. The state Senate has passed legislation to legalize so-called medicinal marijuana twice. Smoked marijuana is not something good, and we had better not lose sight of this fact.”
