With K2, Spice Ban in Effect, Northville Police Continue to Monitor Compliance

Sellers and users of the synthetic marijuana substance known as K2 or Spice beware: Northville police are monitoring the sale of the substance and enforcing a ban .

Key provisions of the ban went into effect this week prohibiting the sale and possession of synthetic marijuana. Around the state, prior to the ban, the substance had been legally sold in gas stations, party stores and other businesses because it was marketed as incense, potpurri and not for human consumption.

In the city of Northville, Chief Gary Goss said no businesses appear to be selling the substance. He said city police will also be alert for the substance during patrols and traffic stops.

"Now that it’s not on the store shelves, doesn’t mean it’s not out there," he said.

Township businesses also seem to be abiding by the ban.

"Right now, I’m happy to say our gas stations, party stores are in compliance," said Township Manager Chip Snider. "We’ll continue to monitor it."

In June, township police saying they and other Wayne County law enforcement were sending letters to local businesses urging them to voluntarily stop selling the substance. Prior to that, police went into businesses undercover to see which businesses were selling the substance.

"They’ve been very cooperative, probably because all the party store owners talk to all the same beer distributors and suppliers," he said, and they decided "This thing was just two hot too handle."

Still, enforcing the ban on use could prove to be trickier.

"It’s a legitimate concern that our residents can purchase it somewhere down the road," he said. "For any stores to still sell this…it’s not going to be on the shelf."

In other words, the substance would have to be purchased much more covertly. Snider said he is optimistic that most party stores around the state will comply.

"I’m happy to see how rapid the legislators reacted to this," he said. "This wasn’t just a problem for the city of Detroit."

However, Snider said in his experience, as a former police official, substance abuse is a hard problem to control.

"My other concern is you can’t legislate removing the dangers from these youthful offenders, whether it’s bathing salts, super glue…there are many more than just this K2," he said. "This took us by surprise. I hadn’t heard the word synthetic marijuana a year ago until everybody heard about it."

To learn more about K2 or Spice, .