Lawmakers plan to tackle synthetic drugs

Published 9:36 am Friday, May 31, 2013

DULUTH — Minnesota lawmakers are heading to Duluth in their search for answers to the problems caused by synthetic drugs.

Members of a special committee appointed by House Speaker Paul Thissen have been asked to come up with legislative recommendations. They’ll be in in Duluth next week with Attorney General Lori Swanson.

A head shop called Last Place on Earth sells synthetics, and its business has prompted numerous complaints by city leaders, residents and neighboring businesses. At least one business owner has blamed the failure on his business on customers being driven away by the behavior of head shop customers.

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The head shop’s owner, Jim Carlson, has been arrested multiple times and faces pending counts of distributing controlled substances. He has insisted the products he sold were legal.

Rep. Erik Simonson, a Duluth Democrat, said the city is a logical place to examine the effect of synthetics. A meeting is planned for June 7.