ABERDEEN - At the July 23 Monroe County Board of Supervisors meeting, Monroe County Sheriff Andy Hood addressed the board on banning the sale of synthetic cannabis in the county. The product, commonly known as "K2" or "Spice" is a combination of herbs enhanced with synthetic THC that allegedly produces a high similar to that of marijuana.

"I hope the board will consider adopting a resolution that will ban the sale of this product in Monroe County," Hood said. "This is a pretty bad drug and it could lead to a potentially bad situation for us."

According to Hood, the product is coming in from out of the country and is being distributed through a wholesaler in Louisiana.

"This stuff is not regulated by the FDA," Hood said. "A person doesn't know how strong a dose of the stuff they will be getting."

Hood said the side effects associated with smoking the herbs could also be dangerous to the consumer.

"This stuff can have many adverse effects including panic attacks, agitation, rapid heart beat, elevated blood pressure and even seizures," Hood said.

Board attorney John Creekmore said he would research Hood's request and prepare a resolution for the board.

"I've been following this around the state," Creekmore said. "So far, no county has done this but it is something we will certainly look at."

Hood said he would also be speaking with city leaders in Aberdeen, Amory, Smithville and Hatley in hopes that sale of the product will be banned in all of Monroe County.

The city of Tupelo passed an ordinance last week banning the sale of the product within its city limits.

Read more: monroe360.com - Supervisors looking at ban on synthetic cannabis in Monroe County