EAST HARTFORD, Conn — A bombshell announcement from the state Attorney General Thursday. Dozens of retailers were caught in an undercover investigation selling illegal products that target kids.
So far, five retailers are being sued by the state for some of the most egregious violations related to the illegal sale of Delta-8 products. The Attorney General says it's only the tip of the iceberg. These products pose a risk of poisoning, overdose and even death.
“We want them to take these products off their shelves right away,” exclaimed Connecticut Attorney General William Tong. He has launched a statewide investigation into the illegal sale of Delta-8 THC products being sold at vape shops and gas stations. “These products are everywhere,” said Tong.
They’re unregulated, potent, laced with chemicals, and targeting kids. Sold under popular copyright-infringed snack brands from Cocoa Pebblez and Life Savers to Rice Krispyz and Skittles.
But who really makes them? Luke Niforatos is the Vice President of Smart Approaches to Marijuana. “We're talking about cartels, we’re talking about drug dealers. We’re talking about people who want to get rich quick and don’t really care what’s in these products,” explained Niforatos.
So far, the state has sent a warning letter to 2,000 vape retailers. They’ve also sued five of the most egregious violators. They are…
FOX61 paid the Manchester Mini-Mart a visit and asked them why they were selling the Delta-8 products targeting kids. “Sir, I have no idea. I’m just working here,” said an employee inside.
Then FOX61 went to the AZ Smoke Shop & Wireless. We asked another person inside if they knew the products were illegal. “I don’t know,” they said.
Delta-8 is a specific type of THC derived from hemp, not marijuana. Anything over .3% potency is illegal to be sold by an unlicensed retailer under state law, but a sloppily written 2018 federal Farm Bill left a loophole. “We really need to see federal action to back up what Attorney General Tong is doing because they are working on the new Farm Bill right now in 2023 and we need federal action to close the loophole and ban all Delta-8 THC products,” said Niforatos.
So if you’re a parent, this can be a life-saving conversation to have with your kids. And you might be wondering, what comes next? Attorney General William Tong told FOX61 retailers can face fines and civil penalties but may ultimately be arrested and face criminal charges.
Matt Caron is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at mcaron@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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