In December 2022, Chattanooga police stopped Nik Shipley, the owner of a Lookout Valley hemp shop, for allegedly having a window tint violation. During the stop, officers claimed they detected the smell of marijuana coming from his vehicle. This prompted them to order Shipley and a passenger out of the car for a search based on the odor.
Shipley is now challenging the legality of the traffic stop and subsequent search, arguing that the police did not have sufficient reason to act. He emphasizes that he was not engaged in any unlawful activity at the time of the stop. This incident has raised questions about police procedures and the treatment of hemp business owners in Tennessee.
The case highlights the ongoing complexities surrounding cannabis laws in the state, particularly for those involved in the hemp industry. Shipley’s situation reflects broader concerns among hemp shop owners regarding their rights and how they are perceived by law enforcement.
