Nebraska Attorney General (AG) Mike Hilgers has filed four additional lawsuits as part of the series of suits from the AG’s Office against THC shops to for alleged unlawful conduct in the industry.
The four new actions are against:
- NP Mart, a large conglomerate with two location in Lincoln and additional locations in Omaha, Norfolk, Wahoo, Nebraska City, Arlington, Columbus, Fremont, and Valley.
- Smokin’ Deals, located at 101 W. Norfolk Avenue in Norfolk.
- Smokes R. Less, located at 701 S. 25th Avenue in Norfolk.
- Vapor Hutt, located at 902 W. Omaha Avenue, in Norfolk.
As a part of AG Hilgers’ legal campaign to enforce state regulations for THC product, his office has independently tested products for accurate label information. Hilgers said Wednesday while in Norfolk, none of the products tested by the AG’s Office came back accurate.
These lawsuits aim to address the sale of mislabeled, contaminated, and harmful THC products to adults and minors in Nebraska.
“With our new complaints, we are ramping up our efforts to clean up Nebraska,” said General Hilgers. “For the first time, we have sued every store in a community (Norfolk). These stores are misleading Nebraskans. Not one of the products we tested were accurately labeled, and many contained controlled substances.”
The lawsuits allege these businesses participate in unfair practices by failing to implement an age verification process, selling THC products to minors, and selling products mimicking popular snacks/treats typically consumed by children; deceive customers by selling THC products which understate or overstate the concentration of THC contained within the product and by failing to disclose which cannabinoids are contained in the product; and sell THC products which can be harmful when consumed.
“Norfolk is a microcosm of a widespread problem across the state. Dangerous and misleading THC smoke shops have popped up in our communities, harming our people and impacting our way of life,” said Congressman Mike Flood while joining Attorney General Hilgers in Norfolk to announce these lawsuits.
The lawsuits — filed in the District Court of Madison County, Nebraska — allege these THC shops have violated the Consumer Protection Act, Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act, and Nebraska’s Pure Food Act. The Attorney General’s Office seeks comprehensive redress, including injunctive relief, substantial civil penalties, and other equitable remedies to hold these THC shops accountable for their unlawful actions.