SPRING HILL, Tenn. (WKRN) — Two Middle Tennessee businesses will receive funds from a settlement related to a hemp seizure earlier this year.
In May, the Spring Hill Police Department (SHPD) seized 231 pounds of hemp products valued at $1.35 million from Old School Vapor and SAK Wholesale.
Following the seizure, the businesses sued the SHPD and District Attorney Brent Cooper. News 2 previously reported that the companies claimed the hemp products were legal.
A Wednesday press release from a law firm connected with the suit announced the SHPD and the state of Tennessee will be responsible for compensating the businesses for their losses. The press release indicated the businesses would recover $735,000. The law firm added the outcome of the settlement sends a message about protecting legal business interests.
“This settlement is more than a financial recovery—it’s a critical statement about law
enforcement’s responsibility to understand and respect the law,” Alex Little, an attorney at
Litson PLLC, said in a Wednesday press release. “Hemp is a legal agricultural product, and businesses should not live in fear of arbitrary seizures based on ignorance.”
The announcement added authorities have not admitted wrongdoing in this case. In a statement sent to News 2, the City of Spring Hill reaffirmed that it does not admit any wrongdoing in this case.
“Officers receive frequent training on hemp laws but this is an area of law quickly evolving with additional changes expected to be mandated by the State of Tennessee in 2025,” the statement added. “The City will remain vigilant in its training to make sure officers understand the law and best practices relative to the same.”
The SHPD explained that parties had reached a tentative settlement of $750,000 with the SHPD expected to pay $375,000 while the state of Tennessee pays the other $375,000. The Spring Hill Board of Mayor and Aldermen have to approve all lawsuit settlements prior to payment, the SHPD added.
The vote on this payment will likely occur early next year, the SHPD said; funding for the settlement would come from the city’s insurance fund.
