READING, Pa. – A Reading smoke shop is under investigation after authorities took more than $25,000 worth of products from the business Thursday over allegations of illegal marijuana sales.
The Reading Adult Outlet, located at 316 Penn St. is being investigated by the Berks County District Attorney’s Office after authorities say products marketed to customers as hemp actually contained marijuana.
Under Pennsylvania law, hemp products must contain no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight to meet the legal definition of hemp.
Authorities seized THC-infused products, marijuana, THC vape devices, THC-labeled edibles and suspected crack cocaine smoking devices from the business, the Berks County District Attorney’s office said.
The merchandise was marketed and sold under deceptive packaging, claiming to be lawful industrial hemp. But chemical testing confirmed it was marijuana, and thus, illegal, officials say
DA John Adams said the issue of smoke shops and convenience stores selling products with higher levels of THC has become an ongoing problem throughout the county.
Adams also raised concerns about the potential for these products to get into the hands of people younger than 21, saying there is little or no regulation. The Berks County Drug Task Force plans to continue investigating smoke shops in the area.
Alicia Kline, prevention program supervisor for the Council on Chemical Abuse, said she believes the Berks County Drug Task Force has an important role in making sure other smoke shops in the area are following the law.
“I think they definitely have a greater responsibility to us in Berks County to make sure that what is on the shelves is safe and especially getting into the hands of youth,” Kline said.
The Reading Adult Outlet remains open as the investigation continues. No charges have been filed so far.
The DA’s office says the investigation is ongoing and asks anyone with information to contact detectives at 610-478-7171. They can also submit an anonymous tip to Crime Alert Berks County by calling 877-373-9913 or texting ALERTBERKS with their tip to 847411.
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