St. Charles Bans Sale Of K2, Marijuana-Like Herb

This blend of herbs sprayed with what authorities call a synthetic marijuana-like drug is producing unpredictable effects when smoked. The state of Missouri has issued a health alert about the products and that prompted the decision by the St. Charles County Council to pass an emergency ordinance banning it. The herb concoction is sold as "K2" "Genie" and "Zohai", often in gas stations or convenience stores. Juveniles as well as adults have been able to purchase it.

It is advertised as incense, but authorities say it is being used as a legal substitute for marijuana. Medical experts do not know what kind of health side effects it may produce.

The ordinance says users report blurred vision, elevated blood pressure, hallucinations, vomiting and "highs" as well as feelings of "excruciating pain." On Tuesday, sheriff deputies and officers from local municipalities in St. Charles County will deliver copies of the new ordinance banning the substance to retail outlets known to sell it.


The St. Charles County Council passed emergency legislation banning K2, better known as fake marijuana. The ordinance was passed quickly through the health department, because the council says it's a health issue that could have serious consequences. But not everyone supports the countywide law. Pam Tabatt doesn't sell those items anymore, now that the St. Charles County Council made it illegal to do so, "I think they over reacted. I think they needed to do more study on it."

The shelves that held K2 and other so-called "fake marijuana" products at her South 94 Bait and Tackle store are empty, "I removed it only because I didn't want a bunch of commotion going on in here and them coming in making me feel like I'm a criminal or something."

Councilman Joe Brazil sponsored the emergency legislation which passed unanimously Monday night on first reading, "We realize K2 is three to 28 times more potent than marijuana. It's synthetic marijuana is what it is. The only purpose in purchasing it is to smoke it and get high."

Brazil says high school students in the county were buying K2 and smoking it in the parking lot and there was nothing police could do to them or the products he says are dangerous, "It speeds up your heart rate. It can make you hallucinate it can make kids sick."

Joshua Mathew and Donald Donaldson say they know students who use K2 and the ban has triggered debate.

Joshua says, "It's usually because they're on probation and I guess it don't show up in your system."

Donald adds, "They're drinking, too. They're not banning liquor. Why are you going to ban K2? It ain't an illegal substance."

Tabett's phone rings off the hook. She says K2 was her number one selling product, which enabled her to hire three new employees, she now has to let go because of the new law, "They passed it. We've got to go with what they say. There's nothing else we can do."

Anyone caught selling or in possession of K2 and other fake marijuana products in St. Charles County could be fined up to $1,000 and spend a year in jail. The ban begins Tuesday but penalties won't be enforced for a month.

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