Highlands council advances ordinance limiting sale of unregulated psychotropic 'phantom' products near schools

The Borough Highlands Council on May 7 voted to advance ordinance 02509, an amendment to local police regulations intended to restrict the retail sale of certain unregulated psychotropic products often described in the meeting as "phantom" products.

A council presenter described the product as unregulated, noted it is not subject to FDA oversight and said it can produce psychotropic effects. The presenter told colleagues the ordinance is not a full ban but would prohibit sales within 1,000 feet of any school, playground, park or daycare in the borough and would require sales to occur inside permitted storefronts rather than from outdoor vendors or carts. "It is not a complete prohibition on the substance but it it does impose those restrictions," the presenter said.

During the discussion the presenter characterized the substance as dangerous and said it "has been called it's like almost like heroin" and warned that, because the product is unregulated, it may interact unpredictably with prescription medications.

Council members voted to pass 02509 on first reading and scheduled a public hearing for May 21, 2025. The ordinance text as discussed includes a 1,000-foot buffer from schools/playgrounds/parks/daycares and a point-of-sale restriction requiring indoor storefront sales where sales are permitted.

The council did not present independent health or toxicology findings during the meeting; the presenter described reported adverse incidents informally. The transcript records the council framing this measure as a public-safety action aimed at protecting children and residents near schools and parks.

What’s next: A public hearing on ordinance 02509 is scheduled for May 21, 2025; the council may adopt, amend, or reject the ordinance after public comment and final consideration.