A Northfleet shop owner has blasted Kent Police after claiming officers took hundreds of pounds worth of CBD products for testing but have failed to return them.

George Guest, owner of the Smokes & Chill vape shop in The Hive, told News Shopper that officers visited his store two weeks after he opened in May and told him they needed to test his products for illegal cannabis extracts.

However, Mr Guest claims that after he was told his stock would be returned within two weeks, Kent Police have yet to contact him with an update on their tests and fears that he will now lose out on his investments.

"Police came in one of the first days we opened, saying that the shop is 'the talk of Northfleet'.

"They took some pictures and I had asked them if they wanted to take a sample of my hemp but they said it was fine.

"They came the next day with seizure bags, without showing me a warrant, and then started asking for documents, which I have," he said.

The frustrated entrepreneur went on to say that officers have reportedly visited his store on numerous occasions, allegedly questioning the legality of his wares.

"They've (officers) been in and out of the shop since we have been opened, constantly pestering me and making a nuisance of themselves. "I feel like I'm being treated like a criminal," said Mr Guest.

Mr Guest estimated that the combined value of the products taken for testing amounts to approximately £500.

CBD is one of more than 100 different cannabinoids which can be extracted from the cannabis plant and under UK law, is legal to sell and consume.

The substance has grown popularity over the past few years as it's said to help those who suffer with anxiety and stress, as well has being used as a treatment for certain epilepsy disorders to help control seizures.

Mr Guest also said that he has shown his certificates, which would allow him to sell the products, to police but has still yet to hear when his stock will be returned.

He is now concerned that his products will be "unsellable" once returned as hemp becomes useless once dried out.

"Other suppliers have told me that they’ve heard of similar cases where they don’t get the stuff back for four or five months.

"I’ve spent a lot of hard work and dedication to start this business, I wouldn’t then go and open a shop of illegal products," he said.

When asked to comment on the situation, a spokesman for Kent Police said: "On May 15, 2019, Kent Police officers had reason to seize a number of items from a business in The Hive, Northfleet, with a view to their ingredients being tested.

"Enquiries remain ongoing and the business owners will be updated when appropriate."