A Mississippi city councilman agreed to forfeit a monster truck and nearly $2 million after a federal investigation revealed he sold illicit drugs advertised as CBD, prosecutors announced Thursday.
Robert Leon Deming, III, who serves on the Biloxi City Council, sold over $2 million in illegal synthetic cannabinoids as vape additives that he labeled as CBD, the U.S. Attorney’s Office said following a yearslong probe by the Drug Enforcement Administration. The DEA received complaints in 2022 that customers became ill after using some of Deming’s products, and his employees discussed in group chats how the additives were too strong and could hurt customers, according to prosecutors.
“A public official’s side job should not be running a business that distributes millions of dollars in illegal controlled substances and endangers the health and safety of its customers,” said U.S. Attorney Todd Gee. “We appreciate the hard work of investigators with the DEA, FDA, and MBN to put a stop to the distribution of these dangerous vape additives.”
Feds launched probe into Deming’s business one year after it opened
According to court documents, Deming founded the Candy Shop LLC in 2019 and opened stores in Mississippi and North Carolina. In 2020, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics and DEA launched an investigation into his business and found some of the vape products contained illicit additives.
In May 2022, federal prosecutors said Deming gave someone $2,200 to buy about two pounds of a synthetic cannabinoid product known as 5F-AB-PINACA to use in the shop’s vape additives. Investigators also found that Deming’s gross sales of vape additive products containing illegal drugs totaled over $2 million. He was arrested in September and released days later on bond, according to court records.
Deming pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute a controlled substance, punishable by up to 20 years in prison and $1 million penalty. As part of the plea agreement, he agreed to forfeit a yellow monster truck with oversized tires, a lift kit, and nearly $2 million.
“Mr. Deming pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy in what amounted to a very complicated case hinging upon his knowledge of the existence of synthetic cannabinoids in vape products he sold along with other allegations by the Government,” attorney W. F. Hornsby III told USA TODAY on Thursday. “Mr. Deming’s decision to plead guilty was made after taking into consideration his family, friends, employees, and the totality of the circumstances.”
His sentencing is scheduled for Aug. 13.
Synthetic cannabinoids
Synthetic cannabinoids, such as the one Deming was caught using as vape additives, are a class of lab-made drugs that have similar chemicals to the cannabis plant, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. The drug can be cheaper to make and is more likely to go undetected in urine drug screenings, the institute said, but it can cause starkly different reactions compared to natural cannabis products.
Some synthetic cannabinoids are classified under the Controlled Substances Act as Schedule I drug, alongside marijuana, heroin, and LSD. The act categorizes drugs based on their potential for abuse, addiction, and medical use.
The usual CBD formulation is oil, but it is also sold as an extract, vaporized liquid, and oil-based capsule, according to the Mayo Clinic. Food, drinks, and beauty products are among the many CBD-infused products available online, including lip balms, gummies, and creams.
Side effects of CBD may include dry mouth, diarrhea, reduced appetite, drowsiness, and fatigue, the Mayo Clinic warned. The chemical can also interact with other medications. If you have a heart condition or take blood thinners, some doctors recommend staying away from CBD.
Nebraska voters will decide this Election Day on a pair of citizen-initiated ballot measures regulating medical cannabis access to authorized patients.
State regulators last week affirmed that advocates Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana had gathered the requisite number of signatures to place the measures before voters.
The two measures are complementary. The first permits qualified patients to possess and use cannabis. The second measure regulates the production and distribution of cannabis to those authorized patients. Advocates had to frame the issue as two separate ballot questions in order to not run afoul of the state’s ‘single subject’ rule. In 2020, the state Supreme Court invalidated a similar stand-alone measure for addressing issues that it deemed were “not naturally and necessarily connected to the [initiative’s] primary purpose.” A 2022 effort failed to obtain sufficient signatures to qualify for the ballot.
“States have a proven track record of safely and effectively regulating medical marijuana,” NORML’s Deputy Director Paul Armentano said. “After November, Nebraskans will no longer be forced to choose between their medicine or their freedom.”
Thirty-eight states, the District of Columbia, and several US territories regulate medical cannabis products. Statewide polling indicates that between 70 percent and 80 percent of Nebraskans support legalizing medical marijuana access.
Nebraska is one of at least four states where cannabis-related initiatives will appear on November’s ballot. Voters in Florida, North Dakota, and South Dakota, who also will be deciding on adult-use legalization measures this fall.
In Texas, voters in the cities of Bastrop (population 11,200), Dallas (population: 1.3 million), and Lockhart (population 15,000) will decide on municipal ballot measures prohibiting local law enforcement from making low-level marijuana-related arrests.
I’m a Registered Dietitian and Holistic Cannabis Practitioner, and it is my mission to teach you how to harness the power of the cannabis plant to naturally manage the stress of every day life so you can bring back joy, build better relationships, and live a better quality of life.
Cannabis changed my life, and it can change yours, too.
Take 1-2 gummies at a time, depending on your tolerance level
Adjust your serving size as needed
Take 30 minutes before bed, depending on your needs
Wide-mouth jars with child-resistant lids
Keep out of reach of children
Individual results may vary
Ingredients
Organic cane sugar, distilled water, organic tapioca syrup, fruit pectin, organic vanilla, and chamomile flavor extract, citric acid, potassium citrate, fruit & vegetable extracts for color, and natural terpenes.
DESCRIPTION
These vanilla chamomile sleep gummies aren’t just any ordinary gummies.
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A Safe & Legal Option
Many ask, “How can these gummies contain 5mg of THC and be less than 0.3% THC?” 🤔
The answer is found in math. Each gummy weighs 5 grams or 5,000 milligrams. And 0.3% of 5,000 = 15 milligrams. That means this product is under the legal limit.
Therefore, these gummies contain less than 0.3% Δ9-THC by weight of each teaspoon, making them Federally legal under the 2018 Farm Bill.
And yes, these gummies are exclusively made with delta-9 THC; we do not sell or support delta-8 THC products at this time.
We absolutely understand your hesitation in ordering cannabis online.
Even with the increasing acceptance of cannabis, plenty of challenges still come with it, making it understandable if you feel uncertain. We assure you this purchase is legal and worth every penny.
Lab Testing
Independent, third-party lab testing ensures that only the highest quality product is delivered to you. Our lab test results are produced by SC Labs, formerly Botanacor Laboratories. Each product is thoroughly tested to ensure purity, potency, and effect. Free from microbial contaminants, heavy metals, and residual solvents – quality is our standard! You can cross-check our promise by reviewing the lab test in the image gallery of each product.
The Highest Quality
All Emily Kyle products are processed in Denver, Colorado, by VivaOil, LLC. Our products are proudly made in the USA in a third-party tested, cGMP, FDA-registered & certified facility.
Our products are formulated with more than just THC and CBD. We include minor cannabinoids and a blend of terpenes known to enhance wellness. Through gentle CO2 extraction, we capture the whole plant with a range of cannabinoids and terpenes. These compounds work together synergistically to enhance results. Beyond taste and flavor, they provide a wealth of potential health benefits. Terpenes and minor cannabinoids are essential ingredients to a true full-spectrum experience.
Shipping Options
We ship packages with the United States Postal Services (USPS). All shipments are legal based on their hemp-based product requirements. Your package will arrive in an unmarked box or envelope for discrete arrival. Unfortunately, current laws prevent us from shipping to any country outside of the US at this time.
These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This product should be used only as directed on the label. It should not be used if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult a physician before use if you have a serious medical condition or use prescription medications. A Doctor’s advice should be sought before using this and any supplemental product. By using this site, you agree to follow the Privacy Policy and all Terms & Conditions printed on this site. Void where Prohibited by Law. Our products contain less than 0.3% THC.