Pettis County bans K2

Pettis County is the first county in the state to ban the sale or use of a substance that is legal in Missouri.

K2, also known as Spice, is a mix of herbs such as blue lotus flowers that is combined with synthetic cannabinoids to produce a high similar to marijuana. The Pettis County Commission voted Monday to ban the sale, possession or use of K2.

Prosecuting Attorney Jeff Mittelhauser proposed the county ordinance after hearing reports of K2 being sold in Sedalia and in the county.

“I’ve heard of this for a few months now,” Mittelhauser said.

On Feb. 16, Mittelhauser was informed that two locations were selling K2 as incense.

“Its effects are not completely known,” Mittelhauser said.

Mittelhauser said he has heard reports of people who have used K2 and ended up in an emergency room unconscious.

“We’re hoping to get out in front of this,” Mittelhauser said.

Although K2 does not contain tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the main active chemical in marijuana, the commission wants to raise public awareness about the substance. Presiding Commissioner Rusty Kahrs said Pettis County also was one of the first counties in Missouri to pass a similar ordinance on pseudoephedrine sales. 

“We believe this has the potential to be a hazardous substance,” Kahrs said.

According to the ordinance, the illegal smoking product includes any substance including tobacco, incense, spice or a blend of those that contain certain cannabinoids.

“The DEA considers this a dangerous substance to be watched,” Kahrs said.

The ordinance makes it a misdemeanor offense to sell or publicly display K2 for sale, or possess any illegal smoking product. The offense carries a sentence of up to 30 days in jail and a fine up to $500. If a person is found guilty of the offense twice, the punishment could include 90 days in jail and a $5,000 fine.

Kahrs and Eastern Commission Rod Lindemann adopted the ordinance, which is effective immediately.

Rep. Ward Franz, R-West Plains, and Sen. Kurt Schaefer, R-Columbia, have filed legislation in the state that would make K2 and similar substances illegal.

If the Missouri legislature adopts the statute, it will take priority over the county ordinance. Anyone in violation of the ordinance prior to a legislature adoption can still be prosecuted. 

CHEMISTRY TEST

Pettis County on Monday banned all substances that contain one or more of the following chemicals:

• 2-[(1R, 3S)-3-hydroxycyclohexyl]-5-(2-methyloctan-2-yl)phenol)

• (dexanabinol,(6aS,10aS)-9-(hydroxymethyl)-6,6-dimethyl-3-(2-methyloctan-2-yl)-6a,7,10,10a-tetrahydrobenzo[c]chromen-1-ol)

• 1-Pentyl-3-(1-naphthoyl)indole

• Butyl-3-(1-naphthyol)indole