Politics & Government

K2 Rally at Local Businesses Planned for Saturday

Dearborn legislator introduces new bill to combat sale of K2, while local residents plan rally at Citgo Gas Station.

As unrest over the sale of K2/Spice in Michigan grows and local residents organize rallies at businesses that sell the legal drug, new bills are being introduced in the state legislature to combat the sale of the synthetic marjiuana.

On Wednesday, aimed at illegalizing the sale and use of K2/Spice in the state of Michigan, according to Darany's office.

The legislation–House Bill 5709–would require the Michigan Department of Community Health in cooperation with the State Police to analyze the content of the herbal mixtures and create a written report of its findings.

Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The bill concerns rampant sale and use of the synthetic drug known commonly as K2 or Spice. The drug has stirred up opposition in Michigan–especially recently, with several highly publicized cases of violence or health problems resulting in teens who used the drug.

Several groups in Michigan have organized protests against the sale of K2 in their cities, as well as boycotts of businesses that do sell it.

Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Shelby Protest

In Shelby Township a group of parents and concerned residents will protest in front of , located at 46555 Van Dyke Avenue, and Woodstock Smoke Shop, which is under the same ownership, and just a few hundred feet away. The rally will begin at 10:45 a.m. June 2. A Facebook event has been created with details on where to park, etc. 

"Our goal is to have the business owners agree to pull the poison from their shelves," the Facebook page said.

Under a law passed by the state legislature in September 2010, the possession or use of certain synthetic drugs was banned in Michigan. Earlier this year, there was also legislation introduced that would update Michigan's law so that the penalties for the sale and use of certain synthetic drugs would be similar to that for other Schedule 1 controlled substances.

However, manufacturers have been able to get around the law by simply changing the chemical makeup and the ingredients in the herbal mixtures and synthetic cannabinoids. Requiring a detailed analysis and report of these substances will be a useful tool in regulating the sale and use of these materials.

Darany said he believes there is bipartisan support for the HB 5709.

"It is no secret that these synthetic drugs have been marketed to our teens and young people," Darany said. "And because these chemical cocktails consistently undergo changes, these substances are often just as dangerous, if not more so, than the drugs they intend to copy. It is crucial in the fight against these substances that we understand the makeup of these mixtures and their major physiological and psychological implications.

"My bill attacks the problem with this issue in mind," he added. "It will be an essential piece of the puzzle and will compliment changes already in play for the current state law. This legislation is an important step in helping our law enforcement officials protect our families and communities."


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