OWNERS of the country’s first cannabis restaurant have branded the police “heavy-handed” after they were raided.

Canna Kitchen in Duke Street was one of three premises raided by officers in Brighton yesterday.

Police say the raids were in connection with the supply of class B drugs and suspected money laundering.

A home in North Place was raided, and officers also raided the Hemp Life shop in London Road.

But the owners of Canna Kitchen say the product seized at the premises is industrial hemp which is legally imported, and say the products for sale are also legal.

They said: “Our products are defined as industrial hemp, and are clearly and transparently imported as such, with all taxes and duties paid.”

Their products are “in line with UK legal guidelines for pharmaceutical definitions” and legal definitions of cannabidiol CBD based products.

In a statement the owners said: “If trace elements of THC render these products illegal, then by default all CBD products must be illegal in the UK. This would mean that many large high street chains are currently breaking the law.

“Hemp flower can be found in any hemp tea bag, that you would find in any supermarket or health food shop in the country.

“We have never in the past year and a half had any confusion over the legality of these products, and are disappointed with the heavy handed approach of the Sussex Police force today.”

Police said a 46-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of money laundering and supplying class B drugs in North Place, and remains in custody.

The force said: “Warrants were executed at shops in London Road and Duke Street, and a home address in North Place, in connection with an investigation into money laundering and supply of class B drugs.

“At London Road drugs and cash was seized and one man attended a police station under caution for a voluntary interview.

“A further warrant was conducted at a shop in Duke Street and a significant quantity of herbal cannabis was seized.”