Shops

New Wisconsin Vaping Law Triggers Crisis for Local Shops as Inventory Drains and Legal Battles Loom

by

WAUKESHA, Wis. — A significant new vaping law in Wisconsin is creating challenges for local vape shop owners, who report substantial inventory losses and financial strain as they adapt to sudden restrictions. The law, effective September 1, mandates that retailers can only sell vaping products included in a new state directory, a change that has left many shop shelves bare. Many shop owners describe the new law as a surprise, with some asserting it has drastically impacted their businesses. Abdul Asad, who runs Smoke Zone of Waukesha, noted that 60 to 70 percent of his … Read more

From Courtrooms to Coffee Shops: The Unique Love Story of Animal Lawyer Peter Brandt and His Activist Wife in Ireland

by

WEXFORD, Ireland — Peter Brandt, a dedicated advocate for animal rights, has a passion for a unique area of law focused on farm animals. Brandt, who hails from a legal family in the Seattle area, speaks with a sense of bemusement about the historical oddities of animal prosecution, such as courts in France summoning mice for their alleged crimes of crop destruction. His legal pursuits have guided him toward significant cases against large farming operations that violate environmental standards, as well as initiatives aimed at improving laws related to animal welfare. While navigating these complexities, … Read more

Judge Rejects Request for Temporary Restraining Order, Leaving Fresno Smoke Shops in Legal Limbo

by

FRESNO, Calif. — A judge has ruled against a request for a temporary restraining order aimed at halting the enforcement of new regulations affecting smoke shops in the city. This decision comes amid ongoing concerns about the impact of tighter restrictions on local businesses. The Fresno City Council recently approved a series of regulations targeting smoke shops, which include heightened permit requirements and constraints on the sale of certain products. Local shop owners expressed frustration, arguing that the new rules could threaten their livelihoods and harm the local economy. In court, the plaintiffs contended that … Read more

Tennessee Judge Temporarily Saves Local Hemp Shops from Closure Amid THCA Sale Controversy

by

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Amidst regulatory uncertainties in Tennessee’s burgeoning hemp industry, local businesses breathed a temporary sigh of relief as a judge ruled that products containing THCA—a precursor to the psychoactive THC in marijuana—can remain on sale for now. This decision comes in the wake of a contentious law passed in April 2023 to regulate hemp products more strictly. The legislation aimed to curb the sale of certain hemp derivatives by granting the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) the authority to set rules on permissible products. However, the law sparked lawsuits from two significant political … Read more