The City of Magnolia passed two new ordinances at its regular meeting April 12, outlawing the sell, purchase or possession of synthetic marijuana and adopting a new wrecker ordinance.

Magnolia Police Chief Domingo Ibarra said his concerns arose after receiving complaints from citizens about the sale of the legal synthetic marijuana in the area. He added that one resident reported her son to be in a coma after using K-2, or a synthetic form of marijuana.

“Our youth are very impressionable,” Ibarra said.

The ordinance defines the synthetic marijuana as a blend of herbs and spices that is sprayed with a chemical similar to THC, in order to resemble marijuana. Among its users, it is referred to as K-2, Salvia and other street names.

The synthetic drugs are being evaluated by the state as a possible controlled substance and are currently legal. However, they have been labeled as unsafe, Ibarra said.

“These chemicals have been identified as very dangerous,” he said.

According to the ordinance, the synthetic “pot” substance is not sold for ingestion. Instead, it is sold as an incense-type substance, so there are no age requirements for purchase. The product is found locally at gas stations, convenient stores and more.

“When anyone ingests a dangerous chemical into their body, whether packaged ‘not for human consumption’ or not, there are going to be issues,” The police department wrote. “This product is toxic!”

The Magnolia PD added that they are concerned for the community members as well as the community image and want to take a proactive stance on the situation.

People found to be selling, purchasing or in possession of the synthetic products will receive a Class C Misdemeanor and could receive a fine up to $500.

The ordinance passed with a unanimous vote.

Additionally, the city established a new wrecker ordinance after confusion resulted from the previous law.

For example, Ibarra said there were concerns with the wording of the previous ordinance, which explained the process of getting a wrecker to a scene.

Previously, when a police officer called a wrecker service, the truck was allotted 15 minutes to arrive. In the event that the wrecker did not arrive the officer would call another wrecker and allow them an additional 15 minutes to arrive.

With the new ordinance, if the called wrecker does not arrive within the allotted 15 minutes, then the officer is able to ask for assistance from a wrecker that is already on the scene.

“It (the ordinance) gives everything in writing,” Ibarra said.

For more information about city ordinances, visit cityofmagnolia.com.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed