Last week the Shipshewana Town Council took action it believes is in the best interest of its residents. A new ordinance that was expedited with the blessing of each council member outlaws the use and sale of synthetic marijuana within town limits.
Synthetic marijuana has made headlines lately under the brand name “Mr. Smiley” that is sold at some convenient stores. The product is sold as incense, but contains a THC-like chemical. THC is the active chemical in marijuana, which is illegal to varying degrees nationwide.
While the label on “Mr. Smiley” claims that it’s not for human consumption, it doesn’t take the sharpest eye in the room to read between the lines. This “incense” is not illegal by state law, so it’s up to cities, towns and counties deal with its presence. An ordinance is not a bad way to go. As long as stores are in tune with their communities and choose not to sell it — and it doesn’t seem many in this area are — “Mr. Smiley” shouldn’t be much of an issue.
Yes, it’s important for the community to publicly condemn this product, but it’s more important to maintain perspective on the matter. Honestly, it’s likely easier to find and buy marijuana and much harder drugs than it is “Mr. Smiley.” In a county that is among the state leaders in methamphetamine-related arrests, our police departments have far more important missions to tackle than reining in the alleged underground market for “Mr. Smiley.”
Other communities have taken a stand against the product, either through public action or personal request. Goshen police, for instance, simply asked local merchants not to sell “Mr. Smiley,” Based on a recent random sampling of convenient stores by staffers of The Goshen News, the merchants seem to be taking that request seriously. Good for them. Even when there are much more pressing concerns at foot, “Mr. Smiley” certainly should be frowned upon here.
Opinion
We’ve got bigger problems than ‘Mr. Smiley’
- Opinion
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Memorial Day an opportunity to honor veterans
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Gun owners should safely store weapons
This week has been designated National Small Business Week as a way to recognize entrepreneurs and risk takers who form the economic backbone of our country.
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Gun owners should safely store weapons
Gun violence is a daily occurrence in the United States and on Wednesday an advocacy group for gun control made a point and a few headlines by announcing 10 states, Indiana included, have higher rates of deaths by firearms than by motor vehicles.
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Clearing a path for future First Fridays success
Last week the Goshen City Council gave final, unanimous approval to an ordinance that will prohibit people from blocking public sidewalks within the city limits. Those who violate this ordinance face a fine of $200.
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13 turnarounds we can admire
Before trustees of Goshen Community Schools met this past Monday night, a reception was held to honor 13 deserving students. They weren’t valedictorians or salutatorians. They weren’t class presidents or all-state student-athletes.
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Recognition as bicycle-friendly city appreciated
Goshen is in the second year of its four-year designation by the League of American Bicyclists as a bike-friendly community. We congratulate city planners and bicycle advocates for this continuing recognition.
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A message that all children need to hear
Gayla Konanz is giving girls the message they need to hear — fitness begins early in life and is the foundation that self-esteem and confidence are built on.
Konanz is a fitness advocate for children and works through the Girls on the Run program. The Goshen News told readers in the May 2 edition how Konanz is working with girls at Bristol Elementary School and is encouraging them to get fit and stay fit. -
We’re No. 12, and No. 1,268! Way to go GHS
This has become a popular space for singing the praises of our local school corporations in recent years. That’s because we believe in the quality work and effort our educators and students are putting forth on a daily basis in and out of the classroom.
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Bill Bloss was a superb servant
Bill Bloss, a man who was always willing to step up and help his hometown of Goshen, died Wednesday. We know that everyone who had met Mr. Bloss and got to know him, will miss him plenty.
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Voters and candidates deserve a 'thank you'
In light of Tuesday’s primary election, we’d like to take a moment and thank two groups of people.
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