Hilgers files lawsuits against four Norfolk THC shops over labeling practices

Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced Wednesday that he has filed four new lawsuits in Madison County against Norfolk retailers that sell Delta-8 products.

He said his office tested THC products from Smokin' Deals, Smokes R. Less, Vapor Hutt and NP Mart in Norfolk and found that none of them had been correctly labeled. More than one-third of the products tested were found to contain marijuana.

"Today marks an escalation in our statewide campaign," Hilgers said. "We're starting with Norfolk. We're not going to end in Norfolk, and we are excited to clean up this city from these particular products."

Hilgers said Delta-8 products have led to hospitalizations of Nebraska children.

"Delta-8 has led to death, Delta-8 has led to poisoning, Delta-8 has led to cardiovascular issues, and a whole host of negative consequences," Hilgers said.

Rep. Mike Flood, a Norfolk native, said he has been working with Hilgers to prosecute mislabeled Delta-8 products.

Flood expressed concern over the way Delta-8 products are marketed toward young people.

"Some of these products are packaged to look like Froot Loops or Chips Ahoy! cookies, which confuse consumers and make them uniquely attractive to children," Flood said. "Let's be clear, these products are dangerous and they're being marketed illegally."

Six Nebraska retailers have already settled lawsuits with the state, and Hilgers said he intends to continue prosecuting stores for similar violations.

"It's not where we start, but where we end," he said. "We're going to go to every single city that has these types of stores in the entire state of Nebraska."

The Attorney General’s Office is seeking substantial civil penalties and injunctive relief against the Delta-8 retailers in its lawsuits.