LINCOLN — Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced Monday that his office has issued cease-and-desist letters to 12 additional retail and franchise locations across Nebraska for selling synthetic THC products. The stores are located in Auburn, Beatrice, Columbus, Plattsmouth, Schuyler, Tecumseh, and York.
Hilgers’ office said every known store in the state that sells such products has now received a warning. According to the attorney general, many of the items misrepresent THC concentrations and types on their labels, creating deceptive and unsafe trade practices. Some of the cannabinoids being sold were identified as synthetic Schedule I substances, making their sale illegal.
The cease-and-desist letters demand that stores immediately stop selling THC-containing products and return signed agreements of voluntary compliance. Failure to do so will result in litigation, with the state seeking maximum penalties and fees. Stores that also hold tobacco licenses risk losing them if they continue selling synthetic THC.
The investigation also uncovered the illegal sale of marijuana, psilocin, and psilocin analogues in some locations. Products identified included Exodus Mushy Drops Gummies, Golden Teacher Magic Blend Gummies, and Nootropic Blend Mushroom Gummies. Evidence from these findings will be forwarded to county attorneys for possible criminal charges, since both marijuana and psilocin sales are felony offenses in Nebraska.
So far, Hilgers’ office has sent cease-and-desist letters to companies operating roughly 300 retail stores statewide. Sixteen lawsuits have been filed, with 24 companies agreeing to compliance, and 12 lawsuits already settled.
“We have now put every store on notice of the unlawful and illegal products being sold,” Hilgers said. “When necessary, we will seek penalties to the fullest extent of the law and refer cases for criminal prosecution.”
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