Store owners in Onslow County, North Carolina, are taking legal action against Sheriff Chris Thomas and his department following a series of hemp raids that they argue were unjust and damaging to their businesses. The lawsuit, filed in late 2024, comes in response to the sheriff’s aggressive campaign, “Operation Vapor Trail,” which targeted vape shops and seized thousands of products suspected of containing illegal substances.
What Happened in Operation Vapor Trail?
In April 2024, the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office conducted a massive operation involving 71 vape shops across the county. The raids resulted in:
- Seizures: Over 100 pounds of Schedule I substances, approximately 3,000 pounds of THC/marijuana products, and more than $850,000 in cash.
- Arrests: 17 individuals were detained on charges related to drug distribution and possession.
Sheriff Thomas described the operation as necessary to “protect the community,” particularly from substances marketed to minors. However, store owners argue that many of the seized products, such as hemp-derived CBD and Delta-8 THC, are federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill. (Source)
The Lawsuit: Key Allegations
Store owners affected by the raids claim the actions were unlawful and have filed a lawsuit against Sheriff Thomas and the Onslow County Sheriff’s Office. Their main allegations include:
- Misinterpretation of the Law:
- Plaintiffs argue that hemp-derived products like Delta-8 THC are permitted under federal law, provided they contain less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.
- Unlawful Seizures:
- Many businesses claim their products were seized without proper testing to determine whether they violated any regulations.
- Financial and Reputational Harm:
- Owners report significant revenue losses and damaged reputations due to the raids, with some businesses on the brink of closure.
(Source)
Why This Case Matters
The lawsuit highlights a broader issue: the tension between evolving hemp regulations and their enforcement. While the federal government legalized hemp in 2018, states and counties often interpret these laws differently, leading to confusion and legal battles.
For Onslow County, this case could set a precedent for how law enforcement approaches hemp-related products. A ruling in favor of the store owners could discourage similar raids and encourage clearer guidelines for businesses operating in the hemp industry.
Community and Industry Response
The lawsuit has drawn attention from local and national hemp advocacy groups, which argue that such raids undermine the legitimacy of a growing industry. Advocates are calling for better education for law enforcement on hemp laws and more robust protections for businesses operating legally.
Conversely, law enforcement officials maintain that their actions were aimed at cracking down on illegal substances and safeguarding public health.
What’s Next?
As the lawsuit progresses, the court’s decision could have far-reaching implications for hemp businesses across the United States. For now, the Onslow County store owners are determined to seek justice and recover the financial and reputational losses they have endured.