A Texas-based hemp company, FVKD Exotics, is pushing back against a local news broadcast that it claims misrepresented its products as illegal. The dispute stems from a Dec. 5 FOX 4 news report covering a warehouse raid in Farmers Branch, Texas, where law enforcement seized thousands of pounds of cannabis products and cash. FVKD insists its goods are fully compliant with state and federal hemp laws.
The Warehouse Raid That Sparked Controversy
On Dec. 4, Farmers Branch police, assisted by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, raided a warehouse in the Dallas suburb. Officials claimed they discovered over 4,600 pounds of cannabis products, $400,000 in cash, and an operation allegedly repackaging unregulated cannabis as hemp.
Law enforcement told reporters the products were being distributed to vape shops across Texas and beyond. According to FOX 4, tests showed THC levels in some of the confiscated goods ranged from 60% to 70%, with some even containing psilocybin.
The station’s news coverage prominently featured FVKD Exotics products, which the company alleges gave viewers the impression that its products were part of the seized inventory.
FVKD’s Defense: Certificates and Legal Compliance
FVKD Exotics strongly denies any connection between its products and the alleged illegal activity. The company, known for producing THCA rosin vape pens, says its products meet the legal definition of hemp under both state and federal law. THCA, a nonintoxicating compound, converts into THC only when heated, a point the company emphasizes in its defense.
David Sergi, FVKD’s attorney, criticized the news station, stating, “FOX 4 has misled the public. It made an editorial decision to present FVKD’s products in an unfavorable light.”
To bolster its claims, FVKD provided 19 certificates of analysis from Armstrong Forensic Laboratory Inc., a facility often trusted by law enforcement. These certificates, dated October and November, reportedly show that FVKD’s products comply with legal THC limits.
The company also highlighted the unreliability of field tests, citing past testimony from Texas law enforcement officials. According to FVKD, the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, commonly known as the 2018 Farm Bill, requires hemp to meet THC thresholds during pre-harvest testing, not in finished goods.
FOX 4’s Role and the Media Backlash
FOX 4’s broadcast has placed the station under scrutiny. By showcasing FVKD products, the company claims the news outlet painted an inaccurate picture of their business practices.
Sergi argues that FVKD’s commitment to transparency sets it apart. “On their website, they provide access to all the certificates of analysis so that people may rest assured that they are getting the products that can truly help them,” he said. Sergi also underscored the benefits these products bring to veterans and seniors struggling with health challenges like PTSD and chronic pain.
The station has yet to respond to the allegations or clarify its coverage.
Hemp and THC: A Legal Gray Area
The case highlights ongoing tensions between hemp businesses and law enforcement over THC levels. While the 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp with less than 0.3% THC on a dry-weight basis, there’s no federal requirement to test finished goods for THC content.
Local enforcement, however, often interprets the law differently, leading to disputes over the legality of high-THC hemp-derived products. Companies like FVKD argue that such discrepancies create unnecessary confusion and unfair targeting of legitimate businesses.
What Happens Next?
For FVKD, the legal and public relations battle continues. The company appears determined to clear its name and protect its reputation as a provider of legal hemp products. Meanwhile, questions about the accuracy of THC testing methods and the role of the media in such disputes remain unresolved.
Texas hemp businesses, navigating the state’s ever-tightening cannabis regulations, will likely watch this case closely. The outcome could have significant implications for how law enforcement, the media, and the public view hemp-derived products.
Emily Wilson is a talented wordsmith whose passion for cannabis shines through in her eloquent articles that explore the plant’s cultural significance and historical context. With a focus on arts and lifestyle, she weaves together narratives that celebrate the creativity, innovation, and community fostered by cannabis enthusiasts worldwide. Emily’s unique perspective and engaging storytelling invite readers to embark on a journey of discovery and appreciation for the diverse facets of the cannabis experience.
