Detroit Bans K2 Under Emergency Order
DETROIT (WWJ) - Detroit Mayor Dave Bing has directed the issuance of an emergency order banning the sale of "synthetic marijuana" products known as Spice or K2.
The Emergency Order No. 2012-1 was issued by the city's Department of Health and Wellness Promotion Director and Health Officer Loretta Davis on Tuesday, "to prevent imminent danger to health or lives after emergency rooms at local hospitals reported seeing an increasing number of synthetic marijuana users poisoned by the drug."
"To anyone distributing K2 or other synthetic marijuana in the City of Detroit to the detriment of our citizens, we have a message for you – we will seize it and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law," Mayor Bing said in a media release.
Under the order, anyone in the City of Detroit must immediately cease selling, trading, giving, bartering, serving, providing, or make available any product or substance containing synthetic marijuana. The order also includes a ban on stimulants, known as cathinone or bath salts.
Under state law, violators will face a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months imprisonment, or a fine of up to $200 or both.
Earlier Tuesday, Detroit City Council members announced they were drafting an ordinance that would ban the drug.
City Council President Pro Tem Gary Brown said state lawmakers just can't act fast enough.
"While there is legislation moving through Lansing that will probably deal with the issue, I don't think we can wait," said Brown. "I think the city of Detroit need to be proactive, get an ordinance on the books that makes it illegal to sell or posses any K2 products."
The was expected to vote on the ordinance next week.
You can call (734) 727- 7163 to report the sale of synthetic drugs by merchants in Wayne County.
