Sheriff’s Office Cracks Down on Illegal Hemp Sales

In response to growing community complaints, the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office launched an enforcement effort targeting local convenience stores accused of selling illegal hemp products—including sales to minors under 21.

At the request of Sheriff Fred Cole, the Georgia Department of Agriculture’s Law Enforcement Division conducted an underage compliance operation across multiple locations. The investigation revealed several violations of state hemp laws:

• A clerk was cited for selling hemp products to a minor under O.C.G.A. 16-12-241(a).
  
  

• One business was cited for selling prohibited products marketed toward children under O.C.G.A. 2-23-4(a)(7).
  
  

• Violations were issued for failure to post mandatory age restriction signage under O.C.G.A. 16-12-242.
  
  

• Additional citations were given for not labeling THC content as required by O.C.G.A. 2-23-9.1(b).

Georgia law allows the sale of certain hemp-derived products but only to those 21 and older, with strict labeling and marketing rules to protect youth.

“Protecting our youth and holding businesses accountable to the law is our top priority,” said Sheriff Cole. “We take community concerns seriously, and I thank the Georgia Department of Agriculture for their partnership in keeping Coffee County safe.”

Retailers are urged to review state requirements and ensure full compliance. Additional enforcement operations are anticipated.

Anyone with information about illegal hemp sales can contact the Coffee County Sheriff’s Office at 912-384-4227.