Pubdate: Sat, 05 Feb 2011
Source: Austin American-Statesman (TX)
Copyright: 2011 Austin American-Statesman
Contact: http://www.statesman.com/default/content/feedback/lettersubmit.html
Website: http://www.statesman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/32
Author: Patrick George, American-Statesman Staff

KYLE MOVES TO BAN SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA

SAN MARCOS - The Kyle City Council earlier this week took the first 
step in banning the sale of synthetic marijuana products known as 
"K2" and "Spice."

The council voted 6-1 on first reading to make the purchase, sale or 
use of salvia divinorum a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by a fine 
of up to $2,000 . The council is planning a final vote at their next meeting.

Kyle Council Member David Wilson said that while he expects K2 will 
become illegal everywhere soon, he didn't want to wait to keep it out of Kyle.

"We're saying to business owners, 'We don't want it sold here, thank 
you very much,'" Wilson said.

Currently, neither Austin nor San Marcos have laws that prohibit the 
sale or use of K2, which has garnered increased attention from both 
police officials and lawmakers in recent years.

State Sen. Florence Shapiro , R-Plano, filed a bill last month that 
would make the possession or sale of K2 a greater offense than use of 
marijuana, placing it on the same level as Ecstasy , PCP and methamphetamines.

K2 is an herbal product that has been sprayed with chemicals. When 
smoked, it produces highs similar to marijuana's. K2 can cause 
vomiting, hallucinations, elevated blood pressure and other health problems.

It's unclear how widespread use of the drug is in Texas or whether 
any deaths had been attributed to the drug here.

Often sold as incense at smoke shops, convenience stores and over the 
Internet, K2 is typically marked "not for human consumption."

A federal ban was enacted last year on the chemicals used to create 
K2, effectively halting its manufacture but not its sale. It remains 
available at head shops and gas stations, among other retailers, in 
Central Texas.

Several North Texas cities have taken steps to outlaw K2, including 
Dallas, Cleburne, Watauga, Frisco, Plano and McKinney.

Wilson said he's heard numerous reports from law enforcement 
officials in the region, though none specifically in Kyle, about the 
harmful effects of K2 and similar products.

He said he worries about its popularity among teens and college students.

"You have all kinds of issues related to people showing up in the 
emergency room," Wilson said.

The sole no vote on the proposed ban came from Mayor Lucy Johnson , 
who said the efforts of the city's Police Department are better spent 
trying to curb "real drugs," such as marijuana, cocaine and methamphetamine.

In addition, she said she doubts the use of K2 is widespread in the city.

"I have not heard one complaint in Kyle about people using it," Johnson said.

Johnson also said she is concerned about people who buy K2 legally 
elsewhere who come to Kyle and aren't aware of the ordinance, and 
might then face fines or arrest. 
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