Mitchell Says City is Prepared to Ban Synthetic Marijuana

Mayor Jon Mitchell says his administration will be prepared to enforce legislation created by the City Council concerning synthetic marijuana.

Speaking on his weekly radio program, Mitchell says he's included funding in his budget for a position that would make routine checks of local retailers. "That person, working in conjunction with the police department, can go into stores and find the stuff," says Mitchell. "So once this thing is on the books, let's go out and enforce it properly so that if you're looking for this stuff, you're not going to be able to find it in New Bedford."

Mitchell says the active ingredient in synthesized drugs is always changing, and his administration and the City Council need to remain informed on the latest strains in order to continue to ban the hallucenogenic components.

The City Council may adopt regulations on synthetic marijuana at their regular meeting next week.