Braidwood exploring ordinance targeting synthetic drugs

In slickly packaged, neon pouches with names like “Scooby Snax” and “Spice,” unregulated chemicals are displayed next to candy bars at friendly neighborhood gas stations and stores.
For years, chemists have managed to skirt the law by swapping one molecule for another, flooding Braidwood and nearby towns with legal but sometimes lethal chemical cocktails.
On July 14, the Braidwood City Council prepared to wage war on illicit substances, as they consider a new ordinance aimed at prohibiting the sale and distribution of synthetic intoxicating substances that police say are increasingly being marketed in forms that appeal to consumers, particularly young people.
Readily available
nearly everywhere
Braidwood Police Chief Eric Allen introduced the proposal Tuesday, explaining that City Attorney Bryan Wellner drafted the ordinance in response to the growing availability of products containing synthetic or intoxicating substances.
Allen compared the issue to the nationwide surge of K2 and bath salts in the early 2000s.
"If some of you might recall, in the early 2000s there was a nationwide run on K2 and bath salts," Allen said.
Since then, he said, manufacturers have developed a growing number of synthetic intoxicants that are sold in a variety of forms, including liquids, gummies and vape products.
"Since that time, the manufacturing and distribution of various synthetic intoxicating substances has gotten out of control," Allen said. "Although a lot of these intoxicating compounds, whether they're liquid, gummies or the like, are restricted to those 18 or 21 and older, they're still readily available."
Not easy to spot
Allen said the products are often difficult for parents to recognize because they are packaged to resemble legitimate consumer goods rather than traditional illegal drugs.
Predatory marketing tactics target teens with bright, sometimes deceiving packages, i.e. Vapes styled as USB drives or game controllers.
As an example, Allen displayed a THC vape product and discussed kratom, a plant-derived substance that can produce stimulant or depressant effects depending on the dosage and how it is used.
"It's used for various stimulations - highs," Allen said. "Depending on the dose you take and what it's mixed with, it could be a high run of energy or a really low depressant."
The proposed ordinance would prohibit the sale and distribution of a broad range of intoxicating substances, including products containing kratom, THC and hemp derivatives that may be abused. Businesses found in violation would face fines ranging from $250 to $750 for initial offenses, with steeper penalties for large quantities and subsequent violations.
City officials said they hope to have the ordinance take effect Sept. 1, allowing time to educate local business owners about the new regulations before enforcement begins.