Kansas Business Owner Sues Over CBD, Vape Shop Raids Citing Vague State Law

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A Kansas business owner in McPherson County has filed a lawsuit challenging recent law enforcement raids on CBD and vape shops. The Kansas Reflector reported that the owner, Mike Ballinger of Hanging Leaf, argues that state actions were “unconstitutionally vague” and led to the seizure of cash and hemp products legally sold under Kansas law.

In October, the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and Attorney General Kris Kobach carried out a statewide operation, executing at least 15 search warrants on businesses suspected of violating state drug laws. The raids resulted in the seizure of inventory and cash, including funds belonging to other businesses. Authorities said the operation targeted illegal marijuana sales.

Ballinger’s attorneys argue that Kansas law allows hemp products with no more than 0.3% Delta-9 THC and that KBI testing cannot reliably determine the source of THC. The lawsuit seeks to stop similar raids and return seized property, saying current law is vague and allows arbitrary enforcement that harms legal businesses.

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