By Betsy Finklea
The Dillon City Council passed the first reading of two ordinances on Monday night outlawing bath salts and synthetic marijuana.
The ordinance states that “it shall be unlawful for any person to create, manufacture, market, sell, distribute, possess or use Methylone, Hephedrone, Methoxymethoathinone, Methlenedioxypyrovalerone, and Fluoromethoathinone or any preparation or compound containing such substances in any form within the municipal limits of the city.”
The penalty section states that “any person found guilty of violating the provisions of Section 9-5-2 of this ordinance shall be subject to a civil fine of not greater than $5,000. Imposition of such fine shall not be deemed a criminal penalty, and shall not give rise to any disability or legal disadvantage based on conviction of a criminal offense.”
It was noted that the police had visited 19 convenience stores within city limits, that three had sold bath salts at one time, and that one out of the three was still selling it, but said they would stop if the city asked them to do so.
The council also passed the first reading of an ordinance against synthetic marijuana.
The ordinance says that “Synthetic marijuana shall mean and refer to all chemical compounds intended to replicate, mimic or cause a similar reaction to the effects of marijuana or cannabis. Such compounds are known or marketed under such names as THC, HU-210 Cannabicyclohexanol, JWH-018, JWH-073, K2, spice herbal incense, herbal smoking blends, and other names. Further, synthetic marijuana shall be considered an illegal narcotic as further provided in the City of Dillon Code.”
It also states that “The advertisement, sale and use of synthetic marijuana is prohibited within the City of Dillon: Section 9-6-4 (Penalties)-Any person violating any provision of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction must be punished up to the maximum fines and penalties as allowed by the South Carolina Code of Laws that my be imposed in a municipal or magistrate’s court for each subsequent offense. Each day upon which a violation occurs or continues constitutes a separate offense. Punishment for violation shall not relieve the offender of liability and costs provided for herein.”
The ordinances are expected to undergo a second reading next month.