The City of Brownwood has started the process of joining the other Big Country cities of Eastland, Sweetwater, Winters, Breckenridge and Early to ban the popular substance K-2.
City Attorney Pat Chesser explained that the substance known as K-2 has gained popularity, and is sold at several stores in the area. It is marketed under several names such as Spice, Pep, Fire N’ Ice, Solar Flare, Genie, Diamond, Sage, and K-9.
“What this ordinance will ban is any substance that contains the 5 substances that make up the product along with the plant that is called salvia divinorum, and basically the combination of any of those substances is prohibited in the City of Brownwood after this ordinance is passed,” stated Chesser. “Also, its words would ban any items or pipes that are necessary to smoke or ingest this substance.”
This ordinance will prohibit the possession, sale, or use of this substance which would be classified as a Class C Misdemeanor which is punishable with a fine up to $500.
Brownwood Assistant Police Chief James Fuller told the council that several stores in Brownwood denied selling K-2 products when he asked to purchase it; however, when an undercover officer went in, product was available.
City Manager Bobby Rountree showed packages of the substance K-9, Purifier and Black Magic and stated that it costs around $30 each.
“The substance you are holding there is K-9, which just this morning on the internet, was noted as more powerful than K-2,” said Fuller.
Reports of its affects were of concern to Councilman Carl McMillan who stated that many of the drug’s effects are more alarming that that of marijuana.
“I think it is necessary for us to control this harmful drug,” said McMillan
Fuller spoke further of the dangers noting that there have already been emergency situations that the local hospital has encountered that were similar to cardiac arrest, and treatment was difficult because no tests at the hospital could determine that the patient had ingested or used K-2.
The ban was passed unanimously on first reading however will again be considered in second and third readings at the next council meeting November 9th before it takes effect.
Pictured above: Assitant Police Chief James Fuller reviews the effects of K-2 while City Manager Bobby Rountree holds packages of the substance for audience to view.