Gov. Snyder Expected to Sign K2, Spice Ban into State Law on Tuesday

Supporters of a statewide ban on K2 will see their mission accomplished today when Gov. Rick Snyder signs a package of bills banning the sale and use of the synthetic drugs in Michigan. 

Passed by the House and Senate last week, these bills take several actions against the sale and use of K2, or Spice, in Michigan.

While one of the bills updates the list of chemicals used in the manufacture of these synthetic drugs and makes them illegal to possess and sell, another grants the state power to temporarily ban a substance if the director of the Michigan Department of Community Health considers it an imminent danger to public health. This allows health officials to react more quickly to the changing formulas of synthetic drugs. 

The substance has been sold legally because it is marketed as herbal incense or potpourri and marked "not for human consumption." However,  have noticed a marked increase in its use among teens in recent years. 

The sale of K2 has already been banned in Macomb County, with County Executive Mark Hackel and Macomb County Health and Community Services Director Steve Goldon signing  June 4 stating businesses caught selling K2, or any other synthetic drug risk a misdemeanor charge punishable by up to six months in jail or a $200 fine.

Until the state ban goes into effect, the Macomb County Sheriff's Office will continue using the county order to police the sale and use of K2 in Macomb.

And while some communities in the state have also passed ordinances banning K2, St. Clair Shores officials announced during Monday's City Council meeting that the city will continue to wait and review the state law before enacting any city-specific ordinance regarding the substance. 

St. Clair Shores Police also conducted a following the order from the county and found all were compliant with the ban.

For more information on K2, its origin and effects, visit Patch's Spice 101 page.