Store proprietor in court over sale of CBD oil in Waterford city
The proprietor of Good Vibes on Parnell Street, appeared in Waterford District Court.
The proprietor of a local store, Good Vibes on Parnell Street, appeared in Waterford District Court last week in relation to the store's sale of CBD oil.
The store sells smoking and vape products, as well as CBD products.
As part of an investigation, the DPP searched the shop and found large quantities of CBD oil.
Proprietor of the store, Jason Singh, with an address at 11 The Vee, Cork Road, Waterford, was subsequently charged under the Misuse of Drugs Act.
To be legal for sale in Ireland, CBD products must contain less than 0.2% THC, which is the main psychoactive ingredient found in cannabis.
The legality of the substance, however, falls into somewhat of a grey area.
Solicitor Hilary Delahunty said that the Department of Justice and the Department of Agriculture both have differing views on the legality of the substance.
He said that the Department of Agriculture take no issue with its sale, so long as the products being sold contain less than 0.2% THC.
However, the Department of Justice have differing views.
Mr. Delahunty said that effectively two arms of government are at odds over the substance.
He added that currently some people are being prosecuted over the issue and some people are not.
Judge Kevin Staunton previously refused jurisdiction over the matter relating to Mr. Singh, outlining that jurisdiction would be reconsidered if proof of the products being below 0.2% THC could be provided.
The oil found in the shop was subsequently analysed in labs in Ireland and Amsterdam.
THC levels below 0.2% were found in all the products.
Resultingly, Judge Staunton decided to accepted jurisdiction last week.
Hilary Delahunty said that his client will regardless be pleading guilty to the matter, because it is “not too clearcut”.
The matter will be back for sentencing on April 28.
