Carrollton outlaws synthetic pot sales

CARROLLTON, Ga. — One north Georgia city is making its ban of synthetic marijuana even stronger than the new state law.

In a unanimous vote, the Carrollton City Council decided to outlaw the sale of the synthetic drug Monday.

They took it to the next level by also banning the sale of pipes, bongs, scales and small baggies.

This comes exactly one month after Lance Dyer's 14-year-old son, Dakota, committed suicide in Bremen.

Dyer said his son smoked a dangerous cocktail of drugs made up mostly of synthetic marijuana.

Tuesday, Dyer said he felt relieved after hearing about the new ban.

"We knew our son better than anyone," he said. "I can hear him now. He's proud."

Dakota's death propelled the Dyer family on a mission to spread the word on the dangers of synthetic pot.

Carrollton police said the family's tragedy helped influence the vote in Carrollton City Hall.

Police said even newer smoking products with a wide variety of ingredients will be banned within city limits.

"If it contains certain substances that mirror the effects of THC, then it's considered to be against the city ordinance," Capt. Jamison Sailors said. "So, if they change the names, change the ingredients, it doesn't matter."

Sailors said stores that continue to sell could have their business licenses revoked.

With another vote set for Buchanan Tuesday night, Dyer said he would work to see every city and county in the state pass a similar ordinance.

"We see this as a path," Dyer said. "We didn't choose this path, but we're on it and we're going to see it to completion."

Carrollton police said they would give around 30 days of warnings before hitting offenders with $500 fines and up to 60 days in jail.

WSBTV