The backpack was discovered by deputies during the search of a home in southeast Florida. Bret Hauser admitted to owning it, as well as its contents, and confessed that he does use marijuana. However, he denied claims that he was pushing the drug in any way. “I’m a cannabis user and everyone knows it. I am far from a drug trafficker,” the former “Hell’s Kitchen” contestant told The Palm Beach Post after his arrest.

The backpack also contained a magazine called “Palm Beach Cannabis,” which he had recently spoken to. The publication added credibility to Hauser’s claims, especially since it is devoted to the legal use of marijuana, and he infuses the drug in various dishes and educates people on the benefits of using cannabis. Since last appearing on one of the best cooking shows of all time, there have been no further reports of Hauser getting into trouble with the law, and he has continued to advocate for the legal use of cannabis.