Nebraskans have been waiting for the voter-approved medical cannabis regulations since two pro-pot initiatives passed in November. One immediately legalized possession for qualifying patients, while the other tasked the Nebraska Medical Cannabis Coalition with creating regulations. Those regs are due July 1, 2025; in the meantime, smoke shops have filled the need with products from a widely unregulated market. One retailer supplying these products is awaiting trial after two alleged customer overdoses.
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Ryan McCollum and Ross Plum, co-owners of the smoke shop and CBD store GreenStar Glass and Goodies, were recently charged with possession of a Schedule I substance with intent to deliver.
Two separate customers were found naked and acting erratically, which kicked off an investigation into what was causing the behavior. One of the men told authorities he believed that he had only taken THC. Responding officers described their behavior as similar to people who had taken PCP.
The investigation led authorities to GreenStar, where several products were confiscated for testing. Multiple products at the smoke shop tested positive for psilocin and other hallucinogens.
“During that search warrant, deputies recovered 487 total mushroom products of 23 different product varieties,” Sheriff Aaron Hanson said to KETV.
McCollum and Plum were arrested in early May. Both waived their preliminary hearings, sending their cases to the district court for trial. Those found guilty of possession with intent to distribute face a Class II Felony punishable by a one to 50-year prison sentence. Law enforcement explained to KETV that the men who experienced the overdoses are being treated as victims and will not be charged with any crime.
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The case indicates what happens when people thirst for access to cannabis products without access to a regulated market. This rings especially true when hemp-derived-THC and other derivatives are being sold en masse. When it comes to legal weed, access to safe products is one of the greatest benefits. This sad tale is one example of what could happen when that access is hindered.
