Authorities have dropped all charges in connection with "Operation Candy Crush," a sting that targeted Tennessee stores accused of selling candy and other products containing a form of marijuana.

Rutherford County Sheriff Mike Fitzhugh - in a previous press conference - announced his office along with Murfreesboro, Smyrna and La Vergne Police, the TBI, DEA and FBI - conducted the raids.

NewsRadio WGNS has spoken with local attornies who claim that they have been retained by several of those businesses, and they are building a case to look into a possible lawsuit to get lost sales and other damages from being "what they describe as being illegally shut-down".

Rutherford County District Attorney General Jennings H. Jones said in a Wednesday release that the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has backed off its initial determinations. The TBI said investigators could not determine whether the oil in the products derived from marijuana or hemp.

Jones says the TBI had previously assured his office that the 23 Rutherford County stores were selling products infused with illegal controlled substances, which formed the basis for nuisance actions and the indictments of 21 people.

TBI spokesman Josh Devine said in a statement to WSMV-TV that the agency's role in laboratory work was to objectively analyze evidence, not determine legality.

Twenty-three stores in Rutherford County were padlocked after undercover agents allegedly bought candy that reportedly contained a form of marijuana - according to the Sheriff's office.