MONROE - A new ordinance increases the number of synthetic cannabinoids - substances that are marketed as "safe," legal alternatives to illicit drugs - that are banned in the city.
The Monroe Common Council voted unanimously Tuesday to repeal and recreate the city ordinance regarding synthetic cannabinoids. The change will bring the city ordinance into compliance with the updated state statute banning specific kinds of these fake drugs, including bath salts, Ecstasy (or Molly), heroin and cocaine. These fake drugs are designed with complex formulas to give the same effects as illegal controlled substance while bypassing laws and are often sold in legal, retail outlets.
A motion was made by alderman Louis Armstrong and seconded by alderman Charles Koch and Jeff Newcomer.
Police Chief Fred Kelley spoke to the judiciary and ordinance review committee earlier this month expressing his concern for the rising problem of synthetic cannabinoids.
Two people spoke in favor of repealing and recreating the ordinance at the public hearing. There was no opposition.
Bob Gibson, a supervisor from the Green County Human Services, said he recalls numerous times people have been admitted to the emergency room because of these drugs.
"We've had people talk about lack of coordination, blank stares, light twitching, people blacking out and "clocking out'," he said.
Gibson said these drugs have been tweaked numerous times to avoid confrontation with the law. Slight changes to the compounds used in the drugs can help manufacturers stay one step ahead of laws.
"It's difficult to know what effect that tweak will have," he said.
According to Gibson, some people have gotten high "in one hit." He added while it doesn't happen to everyone, it's still a concern to those who can get high in one dose.
Green County Mental Health Service Manager Rob Miles said some cases of young adults on synthetic cannabinoids have lead to death or suicide.
"This is becoming a big problem," he said. "It's difficult to treat."
The Monroe Common Council voted unanimously Tuesday to repeal and recreate the city ordinance regarding synthetic cannabinoids. The change will bring the city ordinance into compliance with the updated state statute banning specific kinds of these fake drugs, including bath salts, Ecstasy (or Molly), heroin and cocaine. These fake drugs are designed with complex formulas to give the same effects as illegal controlled substance while bypassing laws and are often sold in legal, retail outlets.
A motion was made by alderman Louis Armstrong and seconded by alderman Charles Koch and Jeff Newcomer.
Police Chief Fred Kelley spoke to the judiciary and ordinance review committee earlier this month expressing his concern for the rising problem of synthetic cannabinoids.
Two people spoke in favor of repealing and recreating the ordinance at the public hearing. There was no opposition.
Bob Gibson, a supervisor from the Green County Human Services, said he recalls numerous times people have been admitted to the emergency room because of these drugs.
"We've had people talk about lack of coordination, blank stares, light twitching, people blacking out and "clocking out'," he said.
Gibson said these drugs have been tweaked numerous times to avoid confrontation with the law. Slight changes to the compounds used in the drugs can help manufacturers stay one step ahead of laws.
"It's difficult to know what effect that tweak will have," he said.
According to Gibson, some people have gotten high "in one hit." He added while it doesn't happen to everyone, it's still a concern to those who can get high in one dose.
Green County Mental Health Service Manager Rob Miles said some cases of young adults on synthetic cannabinoids have lead to death or suicide.
"This is becoming a big problem," he said. "It's difficult to treat."