COUNCIL TO DISCUSS BANNING SYNTHETIC MARIJUANA

FARMINGTON - The City Council will consider banning drugs sold as
incense that when burned and inhaled produce effects similar to
marijuana. Introduced by Councilman Dan Darnell, the proposed
ordinance developed by the city would outlaw "synthetic cannaboid"
drugs sold at some businesses.

Councilors are scheduled at their meeting 9 a.m. Tuesday to decide
whether to publish the proposed ordinance in the newspaper, the first
step toward passing a city law. If they agree to take that step, they
would decide whether to approve the law at a future Council meeting.

Children and adults are taking the drugs to get high, Darnell
said.

"It's pretty well-advertised across the country that this is another
one of those drug trends," he said. "We want to get ahead of the curve."

The drugs are sold under names such as K-2, Spice, Genie and Yucatan
Fire, according to the city. They are marketed as incense but when
burned and inhaled can be more potent than THC, the active ingredient
in marijuana.

People under the influence of the drug "may be a clear and present
danger to themselves and others," according to the city.

The drug can cause hallucination, vomiting, agitation, panic attacks,
numbness and tingling, disorientation, rapid heart rate and, in some
cases, tremors and seizures, according to the city.

The ordinance would ban sales, use and possession of the drug.