Dec. 11, 2010
Huntington Council Preemptive Strike on “Synthetic” Marijuana, Cocaine
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Huntington has aggressively tackled cocaine use and its by products prostitution and other crimes. Now, Huntington City Council with the endorsement of Police Chief Skip Holbrook, Mayor Kim Wolfe and the Cabell County Board of Education plans to outlaw so-called synthetic versions of marijuana and cocaine.
These synthetics disguised as incense or other products have made it into the hands of minors who know that the real intention of the sale is to “smoke” inducing a “high” similar to the real drugs.
At the Thursday work session, council’s agenda appeared on point to take the state lead in the prohibitions. State Sen. Evan Jenkins and Del. Don Perdue have told the body the legislature will also take up the use of “synthetics,” particularly by minors, but a passed bill could wait until June 2011 for statewide enforcement.
Taking a proactive approach to protect our children, councilman Scott Caserta, who learned of the artificial “highs” through minors, has sponsored the ordinance which has received the recommendation of Council’s Public Safety Committee chaired by Frances Jackson.
Swiftly moving to take a bite out of distribution, the first ordinance prohibits the sale of synthetic weed products in the city limits. It will be voted on Monday night. The first reading of the prohibition of synthetic “coke” occurs at that meeting too. Once the synthetic marijuana ordinance passes, a complimentary ordinance is anticipated to allow for law enforcement to “seize” the substance by making the possession of it a misdemeanor.
Finally, the plan includes passage of a resolution which will be forwarded to other nearby government entities . Kentucky has outlawed the substances, but Ohio has not. Hopefully, other local communities will follow Huntington’s lead.
Sen. Jenkins passionately argued for prompt action along with city attorney Scott McClure. Both agreed there would be little liability risk by taking the first step especially since the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency has finally targeted the item.
Council meets Monday Dec 13 in council chambers at City Hall at 7:30 p.m.
Share This Story:
Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
Huntington Council Preemptive Strike on “Synthetic” Marijuana, Cocaine
By Tony Rutherford
Huntingtonnews.net Reporter
Huntington, WV (HNN) – Huntington has aggressively tackled cocaine use and its by products prostitution and other crimes. Now, Huntington City Council with the endorsement of Police Chief Skip Holbrook, Mayor Kim Wolfe and the Cabell County Board of Education plans to outlaw so-called synthetic versions of marijuana and cocaine.
These synthetics disguised as incense or other products have made it into the hands of minors who know that the real intention of the sale is to “smoke” inducing a “high” similar to the real drugs.
At the Thursday work session, council’s agenda appeared on point to take the state lead in the prohibitions. State Sen. Evan Jenkins and Del. Don Perdue have told the body the legislature will also take up the use of “synthetics,” particularly by minors, but a passed bill could wait until June 2011 for statewide enforcement.
Taking a proactive approach to protect our children, councilman Scott Caserta, who learned of the artificial “highs” through minors, has sponsored the ordinance which has received the recommendation of Council’s Public Safety Committee chaired by Frances Jackson.
Swiftly moving to take a bite out of distribution, the first ordinance prohibits the sale of synthetic weed products in the city limits. It will be voted on Monday night. The first reading of the prohibition of synthetic “coke” occurs at that meeting too. Once the synthetic marijuana ordinance passes, a complimentary ordinance is anticipated to allow for law enforcement to “seize” the substance by making the possession of it a misdemeanor.
Finally, the plan includes passage of a resolution which will be forwarded to other nearby government entities . Kentucky has outlawed the substances, but Ohio has not. Hopefully, other local communities will follow Huntington’s lead.
Sen. Jenkins passionately argued for prompt action along with city attorney Scott McClure. Both agreed there would be little liability risk by taking the first step especially since the Federal Drug Enforcement Agency has finally targeted the item.
Council meets Monday Dec 13 in council chambers at City Hall at 7:30 p.m.
Share This Story:
Make HNN Your Homepage (IE Users Only)
