Steuben County trying to ban K2

ANGOLA, Ind. (WANE) - According to our partner in news, The Herald Republican in Angola, Steuben County Commissioners took a pre-emptive strike at synthetic cannabinoid Tuesday, adopting on first reading an ordinance banning substances known as Spice or K2.

Steuben County Sheriff’s Department Chief Deputy Tim Troyer said there were five or six businesses in the community that sell the substance, which is marketed as incense. He brought in samples of the product for commissioners to view.

It was indicated that none of the businesses selling the product currently fall under the county’s jurisdiction.

However, said Commissioner F. Mayo Sanders, passing the ordinance would show that the county is “making a stand” against the product.

“I think you’ll get cooperation from businesses,” said Don Stuckey, county attorney.

The ordinance must receive two more favorable readings before it becomes law. Once it does, businesses that sell the product face a fine of $2,500 for doing so. Possession of the product by an individual carries a $1,000 fine.

When ingested, typically by smoking, spice or K2 produces a high similar to that of marijuana, Troyer said. It can also cause nausea and anxiety.

One difficulty for law enforcement, Troyer said, is that there is not a chemical test available for the product to show that it is in one’s system, as is the case for alcohol and narcotics.

A handful of communities have passed bans of spice. And two separate bills are being written to be introduced in the Indiana Legislature in January, one each in the House and Senate.

LaGrange County Commissioners also approved a spice ban Tuesday. It is expected that all towns in the county will soon have bans, also.