THE FORMER owner of a CBD store in Basingstoke has pleaded not guilty to importing cannabis.

Fraser Paul Bracey is charged with bringing 4.6 kilograms of the Class B drug into the country from France, as well as intent to supply it.

He is the former owner of Vedas CBD, which was shut down shortly after being raided by police in November 2019.

Appearing at Basingstoke Magistrates’ Court on Thursday morning, the 27-year-old pleaded not guilty to both drugs charges.

It is alleged that Bracey imported cannabis from Coquelles Cedex in Calais.

His case has been sent to Winchester Crown Court, where he will appear on February 10.

The cafe and shop was raided by police in November 2019 - just a month after opening.

The premises’ website advertised CBD-infused cakes, coffees and teas as well as oils.

It shut down soon after the police raid, and has since been replaced.

Witnesses described watching as a police car and van descended on Church Street at around 1.30pm on November 27, 2019 and entered the shop.

A week later, Bracey, of Goldney Road in Camberley, hit out at police, saying they were "misinformed".

The statement, reported in The Gazette at the time, read: "It is to our most sincere regrets that we must inform our customers, affiliates and close friends that on Wednesday the 27th November our Vedas branch in the Basingstoke town centre, was raided by misinformed law enforcement officers under the jurisdiction, and acting on behalf of, the magistrates court."

The statement goes on to say: "At such a solemn time, we are in desperate need of some support & solidarity from our customers & friends."

What are the rules surrounding CBD sales in the UK?

Laws surrounding the use of CBD for medicinal products were relaxed last year, with the Home Office saying that the product can contain a maximum THC content, a cannabinoid which is psychoactive, of 0.2% and that it must not be easily separated from it.

Industrial hemp can be used for things such as building materials and clothing.

CBD oil can also be extracted from these plants and, as it is a legal cannabinoid, can be sold in the UK.

The oil has been thought to have some medicinal properties, including relieving inflammation, pain relief and reducing anxiety.