The CBD scene in Marseille takes an unexpected turn with the indictment of Mao Aoust, a 26-year-old entrepreneur known for founding the CBD retail shops “High Society”. Accused of transporting, possessing, and selling narcotics, he finds himself at the heart of a complex investigation, revealing questionable practices linked to his thriving business. The prosecutor initially sought his pre-trial detention, but he was ultimately placed under judicial supervision. Analysis of the facts and implications of this case.
A thriving business in turmoil
Mao Aoust heads a company that generates nearly 20 million euros per year and employs over 150 people. His success in the CBD field quickly turned into a legal nightmare. The investigation, which began following some cases of poisoning among teenagers, has uncovered illegal sourcing practices that could have disastrous consequences for his reputation and that of his company.
Serious accusations
The authorities accuse him of supplying products containing illegal synthetic cannabis to other CBD shops in the Gard and Vaucluse. These substances contain banned molecules of formidable potency, often referred to as “Blast Your Head”. This name alone raises concerns about the nature of the products these shops are marketing.
A troubled past
Mao Aoust’s journey in the cannabis sector is not recent. Before focusing on CBD, he was involved in the cultivation and sale of traditional cannabis, illegal and high in THC. This past could weigh heavily in the judges’ and investigators’ assessments of his current situation.
Interrogation and police custody
Mao Aoust’s arrest by a police team, assisted by the RAID, underscores the seriousness of the situation. This operation, carried out as part of a meticulous investigation, revealed potentially dangerous practices, highlighting the importance of strict regulation of the CBD market in France. The heavily regulated methods of the police suggest that notable evidence may have been gathered against him.
A contested defense
Surrounded by his lawyer, Aoust mentions a defense in which he claims to have sold these molecules before their ban in 2024. An argument that raises ethical questions about how entrepreneurs can navigate an ever-changing market. The line between legal and illegal seems porous and opens up the debate on the regulation of the CBD industry.
Mao Aoust, as a representative of a new generation of entrepreneurs, finds himself at the heart of a conflict between innovation and legality. His case embodies the challenges facing industry players, where the line between legalization and drug trafficking is becoming increasingly blurred. The scenario of this case is a call for vigilance for both entrepreneurs and regulators.
