South Elgin poised to ban synthetic pot, stimulants

Possession, sale, delivery and use of synthetic marijuana and similar drugs likely will be illegal in South Elgin in the near future. The board directed staff members to draw up an ordinance that Village Administrator Larry Jones said will probably be on the next agenda.

Jones said banning synthetic drugs is a topic that has been discussed by the Metro West Council of Government — a group that includes South Elgin.

“Synthetic drugs are available in small packages at stores at minimal costs and are intended to appeal to children and young adults,” Police Chief Christopher Merritt wrote in a memo to the village board.

The memo added that banning the drugs — cannabinoids, stimulants, psychedelic drugs and hallucinogens — would protect the public health, safety and welfare of residents.

Violators would be required to pay a fine of $250 per offense if the ordinance is presented as discussed during the board meeting Monday night. These cases would be handled through in-house adjudication court.

Sugar Grove, Batavia, North Aurora and Aurora are other communities that recently have banned the synthetic drugs.

The Drug Enforcement Administration links use of the fake marijuana or stimulants to psychotic episodes, increased heart rate, panic attacks and hallucinations.

Jones could not confirm Tuesday how many businesses in South Elgin, if any, currently sell the synthetic drugs.

The next chance the village board will have to discuss a proposed ordinance is at the Dec. 19 meeting.