Can-NO-bis: City targets smoke shops in THC-sale crackdown

OG article by City News Service

January 1, 2026

The city of San Diego has initiated a crackdown on smoke shops illegally selling THC-containing products by filing a lawsuit against two businesses—Mira Mesa Smoke and Vape Inc. and Prime Smoke and Vape—and their owners, Wadeea Wadeea and Talin Toma. The suit, brought under the Unfair Competition Law and Uniform Controlled Substances Act, alleges that these shops sold unlicensed cannabis products from concealed back rooms, evading required state licenses, city permits, safety standards, and labeling regulations. Undercover investigations by city officials uncovered these operations, which the city describes as a public nuisance and unlawful sale of controlled substances. The complaint seeks injunctive relief to halt the activities, abatement of the nuisance, and civil penalties of up to $2,500 per violation under the UCL and $25,000 per offense under the Health and Safety Code. Additional penalties are requested for any violations targeting senior citizens or disabled persons. By bypassing regulatory frameworks, the defendants are said to undermine public health protections, product safety, and efforts to prevent illegal market diversion. The city emphasizes the need to enforce these laws to protect consumers.