Hershey not giggling

Life may have indeed been like a box of chocolates for 40-year-old Kenneth Affolter, at least until his pot-selling ways met the strong arm of the law. Now serving five years, the San Jose, California, man is not quite being given the chance to put his entrepreneurial days behind him. With dope-laced products named Rasta Reese’s, Keef-Kat, Buddafingers, PotTarts and Stoney Rancher—each with its own label suspiciously similar to its namesake’s—Affolter’s candies have raised the ire of Hershey Chocolates, makers of several of the products from which Affolter took his inspiration. Hershey has hit Affolter with a lawsuit for trademark infringement, trademark dilution and unfair competition.

Affolter was arrested in March, 2006 following a six-month DEA investigation, which turned up the faux candy operation, four grow houses and some firearms. He was sentenced to 70 months and fined $150,000. Hershey is seeking $100K in damages. Affolter’s lawyer is trying to work out a settlement.

by SCOTT SAXON