Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers has announced the first two settlements in his statewide campaign to address the Delta 8 retail market. The settlements involve High Flow Cannabis, Stewart Scott Ritter, and Alejandro Castro, who were selling THC hemp products in Grand Island, Nebraska, and Ms. Vape Shop and Lisa Lomack, who were selling similar products in Crete, Nebraska.
“I am proud to announce these settlements, which represent important steps towards getting these untested, mislabeled, and dangerous THC products off the shelves in Nebraska,” said Attorney General Hilgers. “I am pleased that these two groups came to the table and will be taking these products off of the shelves.”
Hilgers added a warning for other retailers: “I want to be clear and forthright in our message to other retailers selling these unlawful products: Time is running short to settle on favorable terms with our office. The door will soon close on obtaining settlements that waive penalties, and for those who do not settle, we will seek relief to the fullest extent of the law. We will not stop until those retailers cease selling these products which put Nebraskans’ health at risk.”
These settlements are part of a larger campaign of lawsuits aimed at addressing unlawful conduct within the THC industry in Nebraska. One provider has shut down completely while another has agreed to stop selling these products entirely. According to Hilgers' office, this move aims to protect consumers from deceptive trade practices that have led to hospitalizations.
The terms of the settlements include:
- Both High Flow Cannabis and Ms. Vape Shop are immediately prohibited from selling any THC hemp products in Nebraska.
- Both entities must turn over all remaining THC hemp products for destruction within 14 days.
- Financial penalties for breaches of agreement: High Flow Cannabis faces a $96,000 penalty for a first breach and $192,000 for a second breach; Ms. Vape Shop faces $126,000 for a first breach and $252,000 for a second breach.
The lawsuit against High Flow Cannabis was filed in Hall County District Court alleging violations of several acts including the Consumer Protection Act. Similarly, the lawsuit against Ms. Vape Shop was filed in Saline County District Court with similar allegations.
The Nebraska Attorney General’s Office emphasizes its commitment to enforcing consumer protection laws and safeguarding public health.