Mayor Bing signs emergency order banning sale of K2 in Detroit

DETROIT (WXYZ) - Detroit Mayor Dave Bing has issued an emergency order banning the sale of the synthetic drug K2 in the city.

“To anyone distributing K2 or other synthetic marijuana in the City of Detroit to the detriment of our citizens, we have a message for you – we will seize it and we will prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” Mayor Bing said.

Under the order anyone in the city "must immediately cease selling, trading, giving, bartering, serving, providing, or make available any product or substance containing synthetic marijuana."

It also applies to the synthetic drug known as bath salts.

The order was issued by Detroit Department of Health and Wellness Promotion Director and Health Officer Loretta Davis.

A news release from the city says the order comes after emergency rooms at local hospitals reported an increase in the number of patients poisoned by the drug.

According to the release the regional Poison Control Center has reported a doubling in the rates of cases connected to K2 involving Detroit residents from 2011 to 2012.

Under state law anyone who violates the order face a misdemeanor charge, punishable by up to six months in jail or a $200 fine.