Dalton Police officers visited six area businesses on Monday night to check compliance with the new Georgia law banning the distribution of all forms of synthetic marijuana, which is also known as “spice”. Officers seized approximately 130 packages of various brands of synthetic marijuana from one Dalton business, all of which will be destroyed in 30 days pending any legal challenge by business owners. No charges were filed.
On Tuesday, March 27, Governor Nathan Deal signed Senate Bill 370 into law. The bill, which was named Chase’s Law in memory of 16-year-old Chase Burnett who was found dead after smoking a form of synthetic marijuana, outlaws all forms of synthetic marijuana no matter their chemical composition. Before Chase’s Law went into effect, some forms of synthetic marijuana were banned by law while others with slightly different chemical compositions were still legal.
On Monday night, officers from the Dalton Police Department’s Situational Response Unit (SRU) delivered a letter explaining the changes in the new law to area businesses which investigators believed were selling synthetic marijuana in the past. The Act A Fool store at 1101 New Doris Street turned over 132 packages of synthetic marijuana labeled with different brand names including “ATL Red Potpourri”, “North Georgia Herbals”, “ATL Potpourri”, “ATL XXX Potpourri”, and “ATL Warrior Herbal”. The store’s owner was not present but explained to the store clerk by phone that he had a letter from the manufacturer explaining that none of the substances were illegal. The SRU officers explained that the business had 30 days to protest the seizure of the synthetic marijuana in person or in writing at the police department.
Officers also visited Dalton Food and Tobacco at 601 North Glenwood Ave., ABC Liquor at 532 N. Glenwood Ave., North Tibbs Convenience at 813 N. Tibbs Road, EZ Stop Gas Store at 1524 E. Morris St., and the Tobacco Store at 1804 E. Morris St., to serve the letter explaining the new law and to check compliance. Each store reported that they did not have any synthetic marijuana products.
Officers and detectives from the DPD will be visiting other area businesses in the coming days to inform business owners of the change to the law. Anyone with information on other Dalton stores that may be selling synthetic marijuana or “spice” is asked to contact Sergeant Barry Woods at 706 278-9085, ext.163.
A copy of the letter follows:
April 11, 2012
Dear Business Owner:
On Tuesday, March 27, 2012, the Governor of Georgia signed into effect a law (SB370 Chase’s Law) that prohibits the distribution of synthetic marijuana in any form, regardless of chemical make-up.
In a continuing effort of the Dalton Police Department to eradicate synthetic marijuana from our community we are collecting the unsold packets as a courtesy to our business owners. The business owners, or other claimant, may choose to protest this seizure in person or by letter within thirty (30) days of the seizure. On the completion of thirty (30) days, the seized material will be destroyed.
The Dalton Police Department will continue efforts to see that this substance is no longer being sold in our community. If we determine that this substance is still being sold after this notification, then appropriate action will be taken including criminal prosecution.
Thank you for your concern in this matter. Please contact Sgt. Barry Woods (706)278-9085 X163 should you have any questions.