Smoke shops in Philly suburbs mislead consumers by selling 'straight-up marijuana,' district attorney says

Philadelphia's suburbs are reeling from a wave of unregulated smoke shops that have been peddling hemp products to unsuspecting customers, with many of these businesses using false lab reports to make their products appear safer than they actually are.

According to a recent grand jury report, hundreds of smoke shops in the region have been caught selling "straight-up marijuana" – potent cannabis products masquerading as hemp goods. The report, which was led by Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele and his counterparts in Bucks and Chester counties, has uncovered a lucrative but deceptive industry that is leaving customers "dangerously uninformed" about the potency of their purchases.

Steele described the situation as an "unintended consequence" of the 2018 Farm Bill, which allowed for the sale of hemp products with low levels of THC. However, Steele and his colleagues argue that many smoke shops are taking advantage of this loophole to sell products that exceed federal standards by as much as 50%.

To test this claim, narcotics detectives from the three counties went undercover and purchased a range of products from smoke shops, which were then analyzed for potency. The results were shocking: more than 90% of the edibles, THC vapes, and loose flower products tested exceeded federal limits.

The most disturbing aspect of the smoke shop industry is that these businesses are often targeting children and selling their products to anyone who walks in off the street. Some shops even carry other intoxicating substances, such as kratom and tianeptine, which have been linked to hospitalizations and substance abuse issues.

Steele expressed outrage at the lack of oversight and concern for public safety that exists in this industry. "They're selling illegal products without regard for the health of Pennsylvanians, especially our children," he said.

The grand jury report calls on state lawmakers to establish standards for product safety and testing, regulate THC marketing, and create clear definitions for marijuana derivatives such as Delta-8, Delta-10, and THCA. It also urges lawmakers to take action against unregulated smoke shops that are putting profits over public safety.

As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether state lawmakers will take decisive action to address this growing crisis. In the meantime, Steele warns those who operate in the gray area: "People are hiding behind that, saying this is Farm Bill compliant... but if you continue on in this way, plan on getting arrested."

man.. these smoke shops gotta be shut down ASAP they're putting people's lives at risk by selling fake hemp products with crazy high THC levels i mean what's next? kids buying kratom and tianeptine like it's candy? this is a huge deal, we need stronger regulations and some serious oversight in the cannabis industry ASAP can't let these unregulated shops keep operating and putting people's health on the line

I'm really worried about the smoke shops in Philly's suburbs right now. It sounds like they're just taking advantage of a loophole in the law to make some serious cash, but at what cost? People are getting ripped off and buying products that are way more potent than they should be. And it's not just the customers who are getting hurt – these shops are basically advertising to kids and selling other substances that can cause serious health problems.

I think the authorities have been doing some great work by going undercover and testing the products themselves. The fact that 90% of them exceeded federal limits is insane! It's no wonder there's been a wave of arrests – these people are putting profits over public safety, and it's not okay.

The grand jury report makes a lot of sense in calling for more regulation and oversight. We need clearer definitions for what can be sold as hemp products and stricter testing standards. And yeah, let's get some serious penalties in place for shops that are deliberately selling illegal stuff to unsuspecting customers. This is just plain reckless.

I'm tellin' ya, back in my day, we didn't have all these new-fangled hemp products flyin' around. We knew what was goin' into our bodies, and it was usually just good ol' tobacco or maybe some weed if you were feelin' fancy. But now, it's like these smoke shops are sellin' straight-up marijuana to anyone who walks in off the street! It's crazy, man. I mean, I get that the 2018 Farm Bill was supposed to help us all out with hemp and whatnot, but it seems like some folks are just takin' advantage of the situation.

And don't even get me started on these edibles and THC vapes. You can't trust 'em! It's like they're puttin' profits over people's health. I remember when we were comin' of age, we had to deal with bootleggers and speakeasies, but at least that was upfront about bein' shady. These smoke shops are just flyin' under the radar, sellin' their illicit goods like they're goin' outta style.

Anyway, I hope those state lawmakers take notice and do somethin' about it. We need some accountability in this industry, 'specially when it comes to our kids. You don't want 'em gettin' mixed up with all these potent substances, trust me.

I'm so worried about all these smoke shops popping up everywhere . They're like a ticking time bomb just waiting to hurt someone. I mean, who needs that kind of stress and anxiety in their life? Not me, that's for sure . The fact that they're using fake lab reports is just ridiculous. Can't we all just be honest with each other for once? And what's really scary is that some shops are selling these products to kids... like, what even is the point of that?!

I don't think it's cool that people are making a profit off something as serious as this. I mean, it's not just about the money; it's about people's lives and health. We need to get some real oversight in place, stat . And yeah, it sounds like the law is kinda failing us here... but I guess that's what happens when everyone wants a piece of the action .

Ugh, smoke shops everywhere , they're basically just selling weed and pretending it's hemp. Like, what's next? CBD lollipops with 10x the THC as advertised . This whole thing is just a mess. People are literally putting their kids around these places and buying stuff that's way too strong. The fact that detectives had to go undercover to figure out how bad it was is just wild . And now lawmakers have to deal with this? It's not exactly rocket science, right? Just set some basic standards for testing and safety already . This is a major public health concern and needs to be taken seriously ASAP .

I'm totally bummed about all these smoke shops popping up in Philly's suburbs . I get that some folks might be curious about hemp products, but it's wild how many of these businesses are basically selling straight-up marijuana and passing off THC vapes as low-THC alternatives .

Steele's right to call out this industry – it's like a ticking time bomb waiting to happen, especially when you're talking about people selling stuff to minors . And have you seen the lab results? 90% of those edibles and THC vapes exceeded federal limits? That's just crazy .

Now, I'm all for states having more control over their own industries, but we need some real oversight here . Those smoke shops are basically operating in a gray area, claiming they're following the Farm Bill, but Steele's right – if you're making that stuff at home or buying it from some sketchy shop, you're not exactly playing by the rules .

I'm all for some more education and regulations on THC marketing, too – we don't need people getting hooked on some new psychoactive substance just because they can buy it online . It's time for state lawmakers to step up and get this industry under control .

Man, this smoke shop thingy is crazy ! I mean, they're basically selling fake stuff and putting people's lives at risk. Like, who wants to buy pot that's been lab-tested with some watered-down results? It's not cool, fam . And it's even more messed up when you find out they're targeting kids and selling other crazy substances like kratom... what's next? We need stricter regulations, for real . I hope the state lawmakers step up and do something about this before someone gets hurt .

Man... smoke shops just bring back memories of when I was younger and we used to sneak into my dad's old friend's basement to try out all sorts of weird stuff . But for real though, this hemp industry situation is getting outta hand! I mean, 50% above federal standards? That's just reckless. And the fact that they're selling it to kids and other people who don't know better... it's just not right .

I remember when I was in college, we used to get our weed from these sketchy dealers on campus. It was always a gamble whether you'd end up with something decent or just a bunch of potpourri . At least then you knew what you were getting into. But now it's like they're just spinning this stuff around and calling it hemp products? Come on, guys! We need some real regulation here .

I hope the state lawmakers take Steele's warnings seriously and do something about these smoke shops. It's not right that people are putting profits over public safety like that . And yeah, let's get some clarity on what's actually in these products and what we can and can't buy without getting high .

gotta say, it's crazy how some smoke shops are taking advantage of the hemp industry loophole to sell super potent stuff! I mean, we all know cannabis products can be sketchy enough already, and now these shops are just brazenly selling straight-up marijuana as if it's hemp goods?! that's just irresponsible. And what really gets me is they're targeting kids and other vulnerable folks - it's just not right. the authorities gotta step in ASAP to crack down on these unregulated smoke shops and make sure people aren't getting poisoned by their stuff. I hope lawmakers take this report seriously and establish some real safety standards for these products... we need more transparency and accountability!

This whole smoke shop scandal is a perfect example of how lax regulations can lead to chaos and put innocent people at risk. It's like the 2018 Farm Bill was just a Trojan horse for the black market to flourish. And what really gets my goat is that these businesses are preying on vulnerable communities, especially our youth. I mean, who wants their child walking into a shop and getting hooked on some sketchy substance? It's time for state lawmakers to step up and take responsibility for this mess. They need to create stricter standards and regulations for the industry, and make sure these smoke shops are held accountable for putting people's lives at risk. I'm all for a balanced approach, but come on, folks! Public safety should be our top priority here

smoke shops everywhere gotta say, its crazy how ppl can take advantage of a law meant to help us. 2018 farm bill was supposed to bring some freedom, not sell people out like this. now ppl r getting hurt cuz these businesses dont care about safety. theyre preying on kids & anyone else who walks in off the street gotta hope state lawmakers step up & make some changes soon

Ugh, these smoke shops are a total scam ! I mean, come on people, if it's not lab-tested and certified, don't buy it! It's like they're preying on gullible customers who just want to relax and have fun. And the worst part is that some of these places are even targeting kids and selling them stuff that can get 'em hooked or worse .

I'm so mad that there's no real oversight in this industry. It's like a Wild West out here, where anyone can set up shop and sell whatever they want without anyone checking the science . I mean, THC is not just some fun party substance, it's got serious health risks attached to it! We need stricter laws and regulations to protect our communities, especially our young people .

And don't even get me started on all the other stuff they're selling in these shops – kratom, tianeptine... what are they even doing? It's like a toxic waste dump out there . I just wish some strong leaders would step up and say "enough is enough" .

OMG, can't believe how many people get scammed by these smoke shops ! Like, some of them are literally selling weed disguised as hemp, no wonder all those edibles and vapes tested so high for THC . And to make matters worse, they're targeting kids and other vulnerable folks who just don't know any better . It's like, super irresponsible business practices right there. We need more regulation ASAP, or these smoke shops are gonna keep putting people in harm's way . The state needs to step up and create some standards for product safety and testing, and then crack down on the ones that are breaking the law . This is a major concern, folks, let's not ignore it .

this is soooo crazy! i mean, i know some of these smoke shops can be tempting, especially with all the new hemp products popping up everywhere, but come on! selling straight-up marijuana as hemp goods? that's just reckless. and the fact that they're targeting kids and other vulnerable people? not cool at all .

but, i guess it's also kinda good that law enforcement is taking action and exposing this industry for what it is. the grand jury report is definitely highlighting some serious issues with oversight and regulation. so, fingers crossed that state lawmakers will take note and step up their game to protect public safety .

Ugh, can't believe these smoke shops are like totally exploiting loopholes and selling super potent stuff to innocent people . I mean, I get it, the 2018 Farm Bill was meant to make hemp products safer but it's not like anyone thought they'd be peddling straight-up marijuana in a jar . It's so irresponsible and puts kids at risk. We need stricter regulations ASAP . I'm all about good vibes and wellness, but this is just crazy talk . Can't we just have some clarity around what's safe and what's not? I've got my eye on a layout for a petition to get these smoke shops shut down...

omg u cannt believe wat's happnin in philly suburbs rn these smoke shops r sellin out hemp products w/ false lab reports, leavin customers all confused n puttin thm in danger lol 90% of edibles n THC vapes tested way over federal limits, that's just crazy & its not even jus hemp n cannabis stuff they got kratom n tianeptine too n sellin it to anyone w/ a pulse idk how ppl r so gullible we need strict regulations n more oversight stat

man this is crazy these smoke shops are literally putting people's lives at risk by selling super potent stuff as hemp goods i mean what's next gonna be vaping liquid laced with rat poison? they're targeting kids and seniors alike just to make a quick buck it's disgusting. the farmers bill was meant to help legitimize hemp but clearly not these unscrupulous businesses. i hope the authorities step in and shut these places down ASAP. we need more oversight and stricter regulations on these shops, it's a matter of public safety

It's wild how some businesses can turn a profit off the back of people's desperation for new experiences, isn't it? They're like vultures, waiting to pounce on people who don't know any better. It makes you wonder what we're really buying into when we shell out our hard-earned cash for products that claim to be 'hemp' but are actually just potent weed.

It's a classic case of supply and demand, I guess. People want to get high, and businesses see an opportunity to cash in. But the thing is, there's always a cost to getting what we want. In this case, it's our safety and well-being. It's like we're playing with fire without even realizing it.

The system has failed us, I think. The Farm Bill was meant to be a safety net for farmers and entrepreneurs, but instead it's created a black market that's putting people in harm's way. We need some real leadership here to take control of this industry and make sure we're not all getting burned

The smoke shop epidemic is straight-up crazy! I mean, what's next? These businesses are basically selling poison to people who have no idea what they're buying. Like, the fact that 90% of these products tested above federal limits is mind-blowing. And it gets even worse when you think about all the kids getting hooked on these stuff... it's a total disaster waiting to happen.

And what really gets my goat is that these shops are basically doing whatever they want and expecting no one to care. Newsflash: people are not just gonna chill with consuming unknown substances, especially when they're selling it to anyone off the street. I'm all for regulation, but come on... can't we do better than this? We need some serious oversight and accountability in these shops ASAP.

I mean, think about it – if you went into a pharmacy and someone was selling you meds without proper testing or labeling, that'd be a no-brainer. Why are smoke shops getting away with it? It's just not right. We need to wake up and take action before more people get hurt...