No county ban on K2

Although several counties around the state are trying to kill the use of herbal mix products with effects similar to marijuana, Jay County will wait for a state ban unless the substance becomes a major problem here.
Jay County Commissioner Milo Miller Jr. said he had conversations in the past week with people about the herbal products, often known as “K2” or “Spice,” but hasn’t heard any indicators that the products are a problem in Jay County.
“We’ll wait and see what the state does,” Miller said.
The issue was discussed by the commissioners last month, but after speaking with their attorney about how to pass an ordinance banning the produce and with Jay County Sheriff Ray Newton about the issue in the county, decided to hold off on any action.
The City of Portland passed a ban on the substance on Sept. 8 and other counties and municipalities throughout the state have tried to stem use of the mixture, which closely emulates the effects of marijuana when smoked.
A statewide ban will likely be discussed during the next Indiana legislative session this winter.
Sheriff Ray Newton said this morning that the substance still doesn’t appear to be a problem in Jay County. Newton also mentioned that some producers are altering their formulas in order to circumvent government bans.
In other business this morning, the commissioners:
•Received a safety award from the Indiana Public Employers Plan for 2009. The award is given to counties with a good employee safety record.
•Heard a brief update on work at the Jay County Jail from Jeff Badders of SchenkelShultz. Work crews are continuing renovation work on the existing jail building.[[In-content Ad]]