News Summary
Tempe police arrested two men for illegally selling marijuana and THC products at Smoke Station in Arizona Mills Mall. The shop was found to be unlicensed, leading to a search that uncovered over 2,100 THC items. Both individuals face serious charges, and the mall has terminated the shop’s lease. This enforcement action is part of a broader crackdown on unlicensed cannabis sales in Arizona, which has raised concerns among local business owners and consumers.
Arizona – In a significant enforcement action, Tempe police arrested two men for illegally selling marijuana and THC products at a smoke shop known as “Smoke Station,” located in Arizona Mills Mall. The operation came to a halt following the discovery that the shop was not a licensed dispensary, prompting its closure.
The arrests were made recently after a tip was received by Tempe police’s ACTION Team back in May. On May 31, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Smoke Station, with assistance from the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office. During the search, police seized more than 2,100 items believed to be in violation of Arizona’s THC regulations.
Reports indicate that authorities released video footage on social media showcasing the extensive haul, which included boxes full of various THC products such as edibles, vapes, cartridges, and pre-rolls. Investigators also discovered jars of marijuana marked with prices on sticky notes, further indicating the shop’s illicit operations.
The individuals arrested were identified as 21-year-old Tristian Van Sickle, who worked as an employee at the shop, and 29-year-old Mehdi Tahrani, the store manager. Both men now face serious charges related to the illegal sale of cannabis products and operating a criminal enterprise. Following the bust, the lease for Smoke Station was terminated by the mall’s operators, effectively removing the shop from the premises.
Mug shots for Van Sickle and Tahrani were not available at the time of the arrest announcement. Under Arizona law, businesses that operate without the appropriate licensing for selling THC products can face felony charges or fines reaching up to $20,000. These regulations have been in place since Arizona’s Attorney General Kris Mayes announced enforcement actions against unlicensed THC sales in March.
The crackdown on unlicensed marijuana sales has led to significant changes among local businesses. Following the enforcement announcement, several establishments, including smoke shops and coffee shops, ceased the sale of THC-infused goods in order to comply with the new regulations. Owners of these businesses have reported losing customers due to the removal of such products, leading to concerns over revenue losses and the overall impact on their operations.
Some consumers, particularly elderly individuals seeking relief from chronic pain, have expressed disappointment over losing access to lower THC concentrations and hemp products in the wake of the crackdown. The enforcement measures aim to prevent minors from accessing high-THC products, a move that many believe is necessary to protect youth from potential harm.
Attorney Julie Gunnigle, who represents the hemp industry, has criticized the current actions against unlicensed sales, arguing that they resemble “prohibition 2.0.” She maintains that selling low THC products is legally permissible under the 2018 Federal Farm Bill, raising ongoing debates about the regulations governing the state’s cannabis market.
The implications of the enforcement actions extend beyond individual businesses, potentially affecting approximately 8,000 jobs within Arizona’s cannabinoid market. This sector is significant, reportedly generating around $300 million in wages. Stakeholders within the industry remain wary as the state navigates the complexities of marijuana laws and market regulations moving forward.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- AZ Family: Tempe Smoke Shop Shut Down
- Wikipedia: Marijuana
- Courthouse News: Arizona Hemp Industry
- Google Search: Arizona Hemp Industry
- Phoenix New Times: Smoke Shops Busted
- Google Scholar: Arizona Cannabis Regulations
- AZ Central: AZ Hemp Industry Sues
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Hemp
Author: STAFF HERE PHOENIX WRITER
PHOENIX STAFF WRITER The PHOENIX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREPhoenix.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Phoenix, Maricopa County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Waste Management Phoenix Open, Cactus League Spring Training, and Arizona State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce and Visit Phoenix, plus leading businesses in technology and healthcare that power the local economy such as Intel and Banner Health. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERETucson.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Arizona's dynamic landscape.
