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Posted on Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 12:31 p.m.

Synthetic cannabinoid products confiscated as officials ban sales in Livingston County

By Amy Biolchini

Livingston County has joined a growing number of communities banning the sale of synthetic cannabinoid products.

Declaring the substances an “imminent health danger,” Livingston County officials served 10 businesses a notice to stop selling the drugs Friday, and have confiscated drugs from at least two establishments, according to the Livingston Daily Press & Argus.

Livingston County joins a slew of other municipalities across the state banning the sale of the substance this week, including Macomb, Wayne and St. Clair counties, West Bloomfield Township, as well as the city of Detroit.

The Michigan House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that would ban the sale of synthetic cannabinoids - including brands like K2 and Spice - and synthetic cathinones - including bath salts.

Synthetic cannabinoids are chemically engineered substances similar to tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”), the active ingredient in marijuana. Synthetic cathinones are synthetic derivatives of a substance that comes from the shrub “khat."

The bill, which is an amendment to the Michigan Public Health Code, now has to go to the Senate for concurrence before being signed into law. If passed, it would be effective July 1.

Washtenaw County officials have developed on an incentive program to encourage businesses to stop selling synthetic cannabinoids. The program is similar to one announced in Oakland County last week.

At a Board of Commissioners meeting Wednesday night, Public Health Officer Richard Fleece announced the administration was drafting a plan.

Amy Biolchini covers Washtenaw County, health and environmental issues for AnnArbor.com. Reach her at (734) 623-2552, amybiolchini@annarbor.com or on Twitter.

Comments

Robert Granville

Sat, Jun 9, 2012 : midnight

These are lies. K2 and Spice are not similar to thc and are not synthetic cannabinoids. They do not mimic the effects of cannabinoids nor do they mimic their chemical composition.

Ignatz

Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 7:09 p.m.

If this stuff is banned, it'll open the door to synthetic meth.

M

Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 5:58 p.m.

Stop comparing these drugs to THC. Even if I do think they should not be made illegal, they could not be further away from cannabis. This is feeling more like Maude Flanders screaming "Won't someone think of the children!" than actual science and reason-based legislation. Stop the witch hunt before it gets out of hand.

ChelseaGirl

Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 5:27 p.m.

HIP HIP HORAY!

KINGofSKA

Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 6:31 p.m.

@M This is one time I don't mind the government stepping in. Being free doesn't mean we should be able to create drugs that contain harsh chemicals that can kill people.

M

Fri, Jun 8, 2012 : 5:57 p.m.

I did hate all those civil liberties, you're right! I'm so glad we're less free now!