Six smoke shops in Shasta County have been given citations for untaxed or illegal tobacco products resulting from inspections done in June. Of the nine shops inspected, eight of them had illegal cannabis-related products, THC vaping devices, buds and edibles. More than $21,000 in merchandise was confiscated. Many of the shops also had illegal flavored tobacco products. According to a statewide survey done last year, Shasta County ranked number one for youth who have used tobacco, at over 41%. One in three Shasta County minors reported being able to buy cigarettes or vapes directly from retailers.
– Steve Gibson