HomeMy WebLinkAbout6D Support State Reg of Synthetic MarijuanaYRIO\
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4646 Dakota Street SE
' L 'rvxsso -0 ' Prior Lake, MN 55372
CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE:
January 3, 2011
AGENDA #:
61)
PREPARED BY:
Bill O'Rourke, Chief of Police
PRESENTER:
Bill O'Rourke
AGENDA ITEM: CONSIDER ADOPTION OF A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING STATE
REGULATION OF THE MANUFACTURE, DISTRIBUTION AND
POSSESSION OF SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA.
DISCUSSION: Introduction
K2 is the brand name of an incense blend, made of herbs, spices and
synthetic cannabinoids which mimic the effects of THC — the active
substance in marijuana. Although it is sold as incense, it has become
increasingly popular to consume in ways comparable to cannabis, including
smoking and ingesting. Other similar products are marketed under the
names "Spice," "Genie" and "Zohai ".
Synthetic marijuana was recently found during an unannounced drug
sweep at Prior Lake High School.
Current Circumstances
K2 Incense is legal and readily available throughout most of the United
States, usually in local "headshops" and online. According to the Drug
Enforcement Administration, makers of fake pot blends including "Spice,"
"K2," "Blaze," and others, label the mixtures as incense to try to hide their
intended purpose. But ultimately the blends are smoked like real marijuana
to produce a high and are making users across the country sick. The five
chemicals used in herbal blends to make the synthetic marijuana aren't
approved by the FDA for human consumption. Recently, the DEA began
the 30 -day process to put these chemicals in the same drug category as
heroin and cocaine. Noting that fifteen sates have already acted to ban or
regulate one or more of these chemical, the DEA action would outlaw them
"to avoid an imminent hazard to the public safety."
Presently there is no statewide regulation of synthetic marijuana in
Minnesota. Local governments have taken it upon themselves in the past
months to try and control the sale, possession and use of products with
synthetic cannabinoids in them. The City of Duluth enacted an ordinance
in August prohibiting the use, possession, purchase, sale, giving away,
bartering, exchange, dispensing, delivery, distribution and manufacturing of
any product that is treated, sprayed, or saturated with any chemical that is
the synthetic equivalent of the substance contained in the cannabis plant,
or its isomers with similar chemical structure or pharmacological activity.
Other communities, including South St. Paul, have passed resolutions
supporting the adoption of statewide regulations and /or statutes.
At a recent news conference, Senator Katie Sieben of Newport outlined a
proposal to classify synthetic pot as a prohibited drug during the upcoming
legislative session.
ISSUES: At it's meeting on December 6, 2010, the City Council directed staff to
prepare a Resolution supporting State regulation of synthetic marijuana
and other so- called `designer' drugs as such action is consistent with the
intent and objectives of the Community Safety Advisory Committee
FINANCIAL There is no financial impact created by the Council indicating to the State
IMPACT: Legislators their support of a statute to regulate synthetic marijuana and
other `designer drugs.'
ALTERNATIVES: 1) Adopt a Resolution supporting State regulation of synthetic cannabinoids
and other designer drugs.
2) Do not pass such a Resolution and provided direction to staff.
RECOMMENDED Alternative #1
MOTION:
Manager
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PRIG\
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4646 Dakota Street SE
Prior Lake, MN 5537
RESOLUTION 11 -XX
A RESOLUTION SUPPORTING STATE REGULATION OF THE MANUFACTURER, DISTRIBUTION
AND POSSESSION OF SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA AND SIMILAR `DESIGNER' DRUGS
MOTION BY: SECOND BY:
WHEREAS, In accordance with the city's 2030 Vision and Strategic Plan, the City of Prior Lake desires to guard the
health and safety of the citizens; and
WHEREAS, The public has in recent months become aware of the commercial sale of substances containing synthetic
cannabinoids, commonly referred to as synthetic marijuana; and
WHEREAS, Synthetic marijuana can be smoked or inhaled to produce intoxication more intense than that produced by
the marijuana plant; and
WHEREAS, The Drug Enforcement Administration has taken action to control some synthetic cannabinoids; and
WHEREAS, The manufacture, distribution, and possession of synthetic marijuana is not regulated by State Statute or
local ordinance; and
WHEREAS, Substance abuse and potential addiction are key concerns of the Prior Lake Community Safety Advisory
Committee and other community member of Prior lake; and
WHEREAS, The Mayor and City Council believe that statewide regulation of synthetic marijuana, and other so- called
`designer' drugs, that employees standardized definitions, regulatory procedures and enforcement
processes would be the most effective means of addressing this emerging concern.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF PRIOR LAKE, MINNESOTA that:
1. The recitals set forth above are incorporated herein.
2. The City Council strongly supports early introduction
Statutes that addressthe manufacture, distribution
designer drugs.
Adopted this 3rd day of January, 2011.
and passage of legislation, to be codified in State
and possession of synthetic marijuana and other
YES
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M ser
M ser
Erickson
Erickson
Hedberg
Hedber
Keeney
Keene
Souku
Souku
City Manager, City of Prior Lake
Phone 952.447.9800 / Fax 952.447.4245 / www.cityofpriorlake.com