Surfside Beach’s Delta Dispensary Faces Business License Hearing Amid Police Investigation

Surfside Beach Faces Business License Hearing for Delta Dispensary

Surfside Beach, S.C. is buzzing with local chatter after the Town Council announced a business license revocation hearing for Delta Dispensary scheduled for October 10. This comes on the heels of a significant police investigation and a recent search warrant executed at the dispensary last month.

Unregulated Sales Under Investigation

It seems that the police have been keeping a close eye on things as they embarked on a three-month investigation into Delta Dispensary. Reports indicate that the products being sold were not just regular hemp; they were purported to be hemp but were actually unregulated and untested. Forensic analysis revealed that these products exceeded the allowed limits for THC, which is the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. In a nutshell, the stuff being sold wasn’t really hemp, at least according to the forensic testing.

The Arrests

As a result of this investigation, two individuals, Jason Joseph Papotto and his partner Sabrena Lee Papotto, were arrested. They face serious charges, with Jason hit with two counts of distribution of marijuana and additional counts for distributing in proximity to a school or park. Sabrena is facing similar charges but with one less count. This situation raises eyebrows, especially since South Carolina law is pretty clear — the state does not currently allow any cannabis or hemp products containing more than 0.30 percent THC.

What’s Next for Delta Dispensary?

Delta’s business license was suspended shortly after the arrests, but here’s where it gets interesting. The owner is not taking this lying down and is appealing the decision before the Town Council. This appeal is not just any private affair; it’s an open hearing, meaning the community is welcome to attend and make their voices heard.

The Implications

This news has stirred quite a conversation among Surfside Beach locals. Many people are curious about what this means for the future of Delta Dispensary and its operations. Will they be able to bounce back? Or is this the beginning of the end for them? The business, which aimed to offer hemp products to the community, is now in a precarious position, caught in the legal quagmire of THC regulations.

Community Reactions

Locals have mixed feelings about the entire ordeal. Some folks are advocating for stricter enforcement of laws, insisting that public safety must come first, especially near schools and parks. Meanwhile, others argue for a more comprehensive approach to hemp and cannabis regulations, suggesting that a clearer understanding of products could help legitimate businesses thrive without fear of legal issues.

A Bright Side for Surfside Beach

On a lighter note, amidst all of this, there’s some exciting news for our coastal town! It appears that Trader Joe’s is on track to open up a new store in Myrtle Beach, which has many residents buzzing with excitement. Who doesn’t love a new grocery option?

Final Thoughts

As we look ahead to the hearing on October 10, it’s apparent that Surfside Beach finds itself at a crossroads regarding the cannabis conversation in our state. For now, the community will have to wait and see how things unfold for Delta Dispensary. Whether you’re in favor of stricter cannabis regulations or a bit more leniency, one thing’s for sure: this hearing will be one to watch!