NORRISTOWN, Pa. (KYW Newsradio) — The Montgomery County District Attorney’s office has taken a hard stance with stores that continue to sell products with THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, and has filed charges against nearly four dozen businesses.
Montgomery County DA Kevin Steele said after his office released a grand jury report last year outlining widespread sales of THC products at vape shops, gas stations and other retailers, his detectives delivered letters explaining the products were illegal and that continued sales would result in criminal charges.
“I think folks thought we were blowing smoke, for lack of a better way to say this, about the things that were coming if they didn't abide,” he said. “They haven't abided, and so we have charged and filed on 46 businesses throughout Montgomery County.”
Steele said the 46 businesses have been charged with felony possession with intent to deliver and operate in 26 municipalities across Montgomery County. The owners or those involved with companies behind the businesses will have to answer the charges. If they continue selling the products, Steele said they could face additional charges.
“There are a lot of other charges that we can bring,” he said, “so we could withdraw this complaint and we can charge a corrupt organization. We can go in and we can seize the property. We can, you know, levy fines.”
Despite claims from manufacturers and distributors, he added, the products are not permitted under a hemp exemption in the 2018 farm bill. Outside of licensed medical dispensaries, Steele said THC is against the law in Pennsylvania.
