Oxford CBD Store Owners Arrested for Controlled Substance Sales
In a surprising turn of events for the Oxford community, two local CBD store owners have found themselves in hot water after being arrested and charged with the sale of a controlled substance. The arrests come on the heels of multiple warrants executed by local and state law enforcement as part of a thorough investigation into possible violations of the Mississippi Medical Cannabis Act.
On Monday, police and agents from various enforcement agencies, including the Mississippi Alcoholic Beverage Control Bureau of Enforcement, the Oxford Police Department, the Lafayette County Metro Narcotics Task Force, and the Lafayette County Sheriff’s Office, conducted the operation in Oxford. The investigation is focused on the sale of products that fall under a legal gray area concerning the state’s cannabis laws.
Who Are the Owners?
The two individuals arrested are Tony Barragan, who owns Hybrid CBD and Relief Relief, and James Funk, the owner of Slackers Supply. Both are now facing serious charges that have left many in the community questioning the legality of the products being sold at these establishments.
The Legal Landscape of CBD
CBD, or cannabidiol — one of the primary components of cannabis — is derived from the hemp plant, which is a cousin of marijuana. The key thing to note is that CBD itself does not induce a high, making it popular for various medical uses. However, a recent trend has emerged with the sale of THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid) in CBD stores. This substance has become a hot topic since it can legally be sold as long as it contains less than 0.3 percent THC.
With the passage of the 2018 Farm Bill, some cultivators discovered ways to grow hemp containing trace amounts of THC, leading to the sale of products that could potentially contain higher concentrations than allowed. This loophole has raised quite a few eyebrows, especially with local law enforcement aware of these products being sold in various CBD stores around Oxford.
The Ongoing Investigation
Earlier this year, Alex Fauver, the commander of the Metro Narcotics Unit, expressed concern about these THCA products. He informed the public that authorities were actively investigating local businesses selling this specific type of product. The goal? To ensure that the THC levels stayed within the legal limits, thus protecting consumers and maintaining the integrity of the state’s cannabis regulations.
As of now, it remains unclear if other CBD stores in Oxford are being investigated or if additional arrests will follow. Local residents and business owners alike are watching closely as this story unfolds. The implications for businesses operating under the current CBD laws in Mississippi could be significant.
Community Reaction
The news of the arrests has sparked varied reactions within the Oxford community. Some residents are concerned about the legality of the products they consume, while others fear that this could lead to a witch hunt against local businesses that have operated primarily within what they believed were legal boundaries. Regardless of the views, one thing is clear: the community is closely monitoring the situation and seeking clarity on the laws that govern cannabis and CBD sales in Mississippi.
As this is still a developing story, more details will likely emerge in the coming days. For now, those involved in the local CBD market are urged to review their practices and ensure compliance with current regulations. The Oxford community is hopeful for a swift and fair resolution as it navigates these uncharted waters in the cannabis landscape.
