Tennessee cops shutter 23 stores accused of selling CBD candy

Published: Feb 14, 2018, 12:58 pm • Updated: Feb 19, 2018, 1:10 pm

By The Associated Press

MURFREESBORO, Tenn. — Local, state and federal authorities in Tennessee have padlocked 23 stores and indicted 21 people they accuse of selling candy and other products containing a form of marijuana.

News outlets report that “Operation Candy Crush” was launched after Rutherford County Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh said parents said their child brought the CBD-laced candy home.

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Rutherford County Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh says the stores were selling gummies and similar products that contained cannabidiol, a derivative of cannabis.

Tennessee Hemp Industries Association President Joe Kirkpatrick contends that the products were legal, with CBD derived from hemp, not marijuana.

Related: Tennessee Republicans introduce CBD oil bill