Berlin is the first place in the North Country to ban synthetic marijuana, sometimes called spice...
At a public hearing Monday night Berlin Police Chief Peter Morency said synthetic marijuana has become a serious problem in this city of 10,000 and "is really causing havoc here."
Father Andrew Nelson urged passage of the ordinance that would ban the possession or sale of “synthetic cannabinoids” that use any of a wide range of chemicals listed in the six-page ordinance.
“As you know our city is increasingly under attack by the scourge of drugs which is destroying families and our community.”
Nobody opposed the ban although one speaker said it was too broad and might not survive a legal challenge.
Chief Morency has said the ordinance is based on those passed recently in Manchester and Laconia.
Later this month Littleton’s Select Board is expected to decide whether to put a ban on synthetic marijuana on the ballot.
