Saline is supporting a ban on the sale of synthetic intoxicants like K2, spice and herbal incense, so-called “synthetic designer drugs,” substances that are being consumed by people because they mimic the effects of pot and other more potent drugs.

Some of the reported side effects include loss of control, seizures, hallucinations, vomiting and elevated heart rate and blood pressure.

Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com

By a unanimous vote of the Saline City Council Monday night, the council adopted a resolution in support of a ban on the sales of these synthetic intoxicants, which have already been banned in eight states, according to the resolution.

“Initial studies show these synthetic intoxicants are associated with acute psychosis and worsening of previously stable psychotic disorders, and may also have the ability to trigger a long-term psychotic disorder among vulnerable individuals,” the resolution states.

Last week, the Legislature sent bills to the governor’s office for his signature and he’s expected to sign them this week, city officials said.

The recently approved legislation would crack down on synthetic cannabinoids and products such as bath salts. The bills also allow the Department of Community Health to declare health dangers when other synthetic drugs are discovered.

Six other states have legislation pending, the resolution states. “Without the laws banning possession and selling such products, law enforcement agencies lack the necessary tools to protect children and the community.

“Only the State of Michigan has legal authority to legislate felony penalties upon convicted individuals who sell synthetic intoxicants to users, who frequently commit crimes, acts of violence of suffer health concerns,” the resolution states.

These designer drugs are sold in stores and gas stations to people of any age, the resolution states.

Council Member Jim Roth had an excused absence from the meeting.

Lisa Allmendinger is a regional reporter for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at lisaallmendinger@annarbor.com. For more Saline stories, visit our Saline page.