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."
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."
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 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! 
. 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?! 
. 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 
.
, they're basically just selling weed and pretending it's hemp. Like, what's next? CBD lollipops with 10x the THC as advertised 
.
. And have you seen the lab results? 90% of those edibles and THC vapes exceeded federal limits? That's just crazy 
. 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 
.
. It's time for state lawmakers to step up and get this industry under control 
.
. I hope the state lawmakers step up and do something about this before someone gets hurt 
. 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 
.
. 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 
. 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 
.
that's just irresponsible. And what really gets me is they're targeting kids and other vulnerable folks - it's just not right. 
. 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 
.
. I just wish some strong leaders would step up and say "enough is enough" 
. And to make matters worse, they're targeting kids and other vulnerable folks who just don't know any better 
. This is a major concern, folks, let's not ignore it 
.
. It's so irresponsible and puts kids at risk. We need stricter regulations ASAP 
. 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...
we need strict regulations n more oversight stat 