Milton Bans Synthetic Marijuana, Bath Salts, Other Drugs

MILTON, GA — The City of Milton has banned synthetic marijuana and opiate substitutes, according to a release from the city. The ban, approved in a Jan. 23 vote, includes the sale, manufacture, use, delivery, purchase, possession and distribution of the substances.

The synthetic drugs, known as spice, K2, bath salts and many others, are infused with chemicals that attempt to mimic the effects of marijuana, but are often more risky than pot itself.

"In our experience with these unregulated substances, they are very harmful and often fall into the hands of our youth," said Milton Chief of Police Rich Austin. "This law will allow us to make the product less accessible and will give us opportunities to engage in educational exchanges about the risks associated with these synthetics."

Possession of one of these synthetic drugs comes with a misdemeanor charge and a fine of up to $1,500, the release says.

"These substances should not be readily accessible to our local youth," said Milton Mayor Joe Lockwood. "I'm proud of the proactive efforts by our public safety personnel to protect the safety and welfare of all our citizens."

While the drug it intends to mimic, marijuana, has never directly caused an overdose death, spice and similar synthetic drugs have caused many overdoes deaths throughout the nation.

"Within the past year, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings related to these products. In Milton and surrounding areas, public safety personnel have responded to calls of youth being placed in danger by these substances due to the adverse reactions that these products can cause," the release said.

The city is giving businesses 30 days to comply with the ban. After that period, authorities can enforce it.

"The city is committed to both education and enforcement for our community," said City Manager Steve Krokoff. "In addition, we're engaging with our local government peers to determine how we can help ensure the safety of all our residents until a broader state initiative can be explored."

Top photo: NEW YORK, NY - JULY 14: A neighborhood resident holds up a 'No K2' sign, July 14, 2016 on the border of the Bedford-Stuyvesant and Bushwick neighborhoods in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. Following a wave of suspected K2 overdoes on Tuesday, New York City police raided five convenience stores on Wednesday.