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Reefer(ish) Concern

By PA

Fort Wayne Reader

2010-08-08

Some of you out there may have heard of K-2.

If not, here’s the short version: K-2 is a product that — without getting into the chemistry of its make-up — many people describe as a type of “synthetic marijuana.” It goes under a bunch of different names, and it’s marketed as incense, but… well, users don’t use it as incense. They smoke it, and claim it has the same effects as marijuana. (And frankly, it sells at prices you’d never pay for a bag of incense).

However, you won’t test positive for it, and (here’s the real kicker) it’s legal. There’s no state or federal law against possessing or distributing it. And it’s readily available to buy.

The DEA has said its concerned about K-2. Currently there are no studies to determine whether or not the drug is harmful, etc. But as we stated above, there’s no law against it.

But many local governments around the country have taken steps to prevent its sale and distribution, and Fort Wayne looks like it’s joining the list. City Council members Mitch Harper (R-3) and Tom Didier (R-4) proposed an ordinance that would fine businesses up to $2500 for selling K-2 and individuals up to $1000 for possessing it. State law prevents the city from imposing jail time for a local offense. The proposed ordinance was inspired by concerns that K-2 was accessible to kids.

Council will vote on the ordinance in the next few weeks and if passed, the law will take effect in September. But the proposal has already garnered its fair share of criticism, from those accusing the council of creating a sort of “Reefer-madness hysteria” before the real effects of K-2 are known, to those looking at more practical concerns — like whether or not Fort Wayne has the resources to enforce this law if it passes.

What About Bob?

The Summer of the Caucus rolled on in late July.

This time, Republican precinct committee people from the 84th District gathered in Allen County Republican headquarters to choose a candidate to replace State Representative Randy Borror, who resigned after 9 years in the House to take a job with the Bose Public Affairs Group, a local lobbying firm.

Just a few weeks before his resignation in July, Borror was one of the hopefuls in the caucus to find a replacement for Congressman Souder.

Contenders for Borror’s seat included former FWCS board member John Olinger; Derek Pillie, a former aide for Congressman Souder; business owner Bob Morris; and Allen County Commissioner Bill Brown.

After three rounds, it was Morris who clinched the seat. Like Borror, Morris had also sought the Republican nomination for the US 3rd district slot. Morris also ran for Fort Wayne City Council a few years ago — you might remember the “What About Bob Morris?” stickers and signs sprouting up around election time. You also might recall Morris’ appearance on a television commercial touting the highlights of the Georgetown Shopping Center, where one of his HealthKick Nutrition stores is located.

Morris attributed his caucus victory to old fashioned foot work — he hit the streets and knocked on doors.

In a statement declaring his candidacy for the 84th district, Morris expressed his admiration for Governor Daniels’ fiscal discipline and strong leadership, and pledged “… to continue to advance and build upon the Daniels’ vision of fiscal wisdom, a vision that allows the free-market to do what government cannot ever do in creating opportunity, prosperity, and wealth.”

Morris’ swearing in ceremony took place on August 6. He’ll face Democrat Evan Smith in November.