UPDATE: A shocking report released by a Montgomery County grand jury reveals that hundreds of unregulated smoke shops in the Philadelphia suburbs are misleading consumers by selling products that contain far more THC than advertised. The investigation, which spanned ten months, was led by District Attorneys from Montgomery, Bucks, and Chester counties, highlighting the dangers these shops pose to public health.
Authorities confirmed that these smoke shops are utilizing fraudulent lab reports, leaving customers “dangerously uninformed” about the potency of the drugs they are consuming. Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele stated at a news conference on Thursday that the unintended consequences of the 2018 Farm Bill have allowed these businesses to flourish, claiming compliance with legal standards while actually selling “straight-up marijuana.”
The grand jury’s findings are alarming: over 90% of analyzed products, including edibles and THC vapes, exceeded federal potency standards. Many products were either mislabeled or supported by dubious certificates from suppliers. As the report highlights, this deception exposes both adults and children to substances whose risks are obscured.
Most concerning is the marketing of these products towards children. Steele emphasized that the products can be sold to anyone, regardless of age, and pointed out that nine children have been sickened over the past year after ingesting THC products from these shops. The report states, “This deception means that adults and children alike are exposed to substances whose potency and risks are hidden from view.”
The 107-page report urges state lawmakers to impose strict regulations on product safety and testing, recommend an age limit of 21 for THC products, and establish rigorous marketing standards similar to those applied to tobacco. The report also calls for clear definitions of marijuana derivatives to prevent the sale of products misrepresented as “legal hemp.”
Currently, Montgomery County boasts 240 smoke shops, outnumbering local schools and exploiting ambiguous federal hemp laws for profit. Steele revealed that these shops are operating without oversight, putting Pennsylvania residents, especially children, at risk. He stated, “People that are selling drugs out of their stores — selling marijuana, that’s a felony.”
The grand jury’s findings come at a time when Pennsylvania has paused efforts to legalize recreational marijuana, which would create clear standards for cannabis sales. While some lawmakers are advocating for a cannabis control board to address the issue, the existing unregulated market is causing significant harm.
In a strong statement, Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday joined colleagues nationwide in urging Congress to close loopholes that allow “intoxicating hemp-derived THC products” to proliferate in stores that prioritize profits over public safety.
Steele showcased evidence of products marketed towards kids, revealing packaging that featured branding like THC-infused Cheetos, further underscoring the alarming trend. “You’ve got Cheetos with marijuana leaves on it,” he declared, illustrating the blatant appeal to young consumers.
As investigations continue, authorities are warning these smoke shops that illegal practices will result in arrests. The report’s findings serve as a crucial wake-up call, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory changes to protect public health in Pennsylvania and beyond. Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.
