Allen, Texas: Nine Hemp Product Retailers Raided by Police

Police Raid Nine Hemp Retailers in Allen, Texas for Allegedly Selling Products with Illegal THC Levels

Police in Allen, Texas, conducted raids on nine hemp product retailers this week following an investigation that found these stores were selling products containing illegal amounts of THC, according to a report by the Dallas Morning News. The raids were conducted with assistance from the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and the Collin County Sheriff’s Office.

Law Enforcement Claims and Investigation Details

The Allen Police Department stated that the raids were the result of an in-depth investigation into alleged illegal activities involving the sale of products with THC levels exceeding 0.3%, the psychoactive component of cannabis.

“The warrants were obtained and executed following an in-depth investigation into alleged illegal activities involving the sale of products containing greater than 0.3% THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. Products previously sold at these nine locations have tested from 7% to 78% THC,” read a law enforcement statement shared by the Dallas Morning News.

Retailers Defend Operations, Call Raid Intimidation

Following the DEA’s subpoena of records from companies selling legal hemp products in July, the shops hired attorney David Sergi, based in San Marcos, in preparation for a potential crackdown. Sergi, who represents at least eight of the nine shops targeted, contended that his clients had been operating lawfully and characterized the raid as an “escalation” aimed at intimidating legal hemp product retailers.

“There is a right way and a wrong way under Texas law to deal with products that may be out of compliance, and they have gone down the complete wrong path, and they will be held to account,” Sergi stated.

Texas Cannabis Laws and Expanding Hemp Industry

Cannabis remains illegal in Texas, but hemp, the non-psychoactive variety of the plant, was federally legalized under the 2018 Farm Bill. This legalization has spurred an expansion in the hemp industry, with cannabinoid products evolving from primarily CBD, which is non-psychoactive, to include intoxicating cannabinoids such as delta-8 and delta-10 THC. These compounds, which can be synthesized from hemp-derived CBD, are considered federally legal, at least for now.

As the legal battle continues, this incident highlights the ongoing tension between state regulations and the evolving hemp market, raising questions about compliance and enforcement in the industry.