ASHEBORO, N.C. — The Asheboro Police Department’s Vice and Narcotics unit conducted undercover purchases at local vape shops to test THC levels in products, leading to search warrants and at least one criminal charge.
The investigation centers on delta-8, a psychoactive compound legalized in 2018 when hemp was legalized through the federal farm bill. Delta-8 is related to delta-9, the primary THC compound in cannabis that produces the “high” associated with marijuana.
Delta-8 produces milder euphoria than marijuana and is promoted for pain relief and anxiety management. It is legal only when derived from hemp containing no more than 0.3 percent delta-9 THC.
Police said detectives made undercover purchases of products containing delta-8 and CBD at several local vape shops. The purchases led to search warrants for American Dream Tobacco & Vape at 1528-K Zoo Parkway and Smoke House & Vapes at 1317 East Dixie Drive.
Items seized from those locations contained more THC than allowed by law, according to police.
Mohamed Rassam Saleh Rashani was served a criminal summons for felony possession of marijuana and possession with intent to distribute marijuana in connection with the undercover purchase at American Dream Tobacco & Vape.
No charges have been filed against anyone associated with Smoke House & Vapes, but police said the investigation is ongoing.
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