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Commissioners take first reading of ordinance to restrict unregulated marijuana‑substitute products, request sheriff and legal input
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Summary
Hart County commissioners voted 4‑0 to take first reading of a draft ordinance adapted from the City of Milton to regulate certain unregulated 'marijuana substitute' and other novel substances. Commissioners asked the sheriff’s office and the county attorney to review enforceability and suggested notifying local retailers if adopted.
County staff presented a draft ordinance modeled closely on the City of Milton’s language that would regulate a list of substances commonly sold as unregulated marijuana or opioid substitutes. The draft targets products off retail shelves (examples discussed included delta‑8 vape pens and kratom) that are not currently on state regulatory lists.
Commissioners and staff debated implementability and enforcement. Some expressed concern that listing every regulated chemical is impractical and that the sheriff’s office may have difficulty identifying which shelf products contain regulated compounds; others said being proactive could help prevent harmful products from reaching county shelves. The board discussed the city of Carrollton’s request for an attorney general opinion on a similar local approach and whether local business licensing rules might provide another enforcement path.
County attorney (Kim) and staff agreed to provide a clearer list of regulated ingredients and to seek sheriff input about enforcement capacity. Commissioners suggested giving retailers a timeline and notice before any local restrictions take effect if the ordinance advances.
The board voted to take the draft as a first reading (motion carried 4‑0). The transcript records multiple concerns about state preemption and implementation; next steps are sheriff and legal review and planning a notification/implementation timeline if the ordinance proceeds to additional readings.
