Nebraska attorney general calls CBD products illegal

Hemp-based CBD stores are now open in Nebraska, but their owners are spooked after the state attorney general told law enforcement and county attorneys that cannabidiol products are illegal.

In a memo, Nebraska Attorney General Doug Peterson said CBD products aren’t legal in the state because they haven’t been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, according to Omaha TV station KETV.

He did make one exception: for those CBD products obtained through an authorized research study at the University of Nebraska Medical Center.

After news of the memo broke, retailer CBD American Shaman saw customers bringing products back and seeking refunds.

CBD American Shaman refunded about $700 to customers at its Omaha location Wednesday and then had its attorney send a response letter telling Peterson that hemp products containing less than 0.3% THC are legal for sale in any state.

“It’s an attempt to intimidate customers,” said Vince Sanders, founder of the Kansas-based company, which operates retail outlets in five Midwestern states.

Sanders didn’t know of any law enforcement actions in response to letter.

Peterson’s office did not immediately return a call from Marijuana Business Daily seeking clarification on the memo.