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Geneva, IL —
It’s hard to believe the substance used by a teenager killed in a car crash last year in Batavia Township was legal.
Max Dobner of Aurora told his brother, Justin, that he was having a panic attack after smoking a synthetic drug June 14. Justin advised Max to take a shower and lie down.
But later that day, Max got behind the wheel of a car and drove to Batavia Township. The car crashed into a home near Route 31 and Mooseheart Road. Max was 19 when he died that day.
Synthetic drugs are products that mimic the effects of drugs such as marijuana. While they are often sold as incense, users frequently purchase these products with the intention of smoking them.
Max Dobner’s mother, Karen, spoke with various media outlets following the tragedy last year. She suspected that the synthetic drug used by her son played a role in the crash.
State legislators outlawed synthetic drugs, a measure that took effect Jan. 1. Local communities are passing their own ordinances banning the sale and use of these substances.
Members of the Geneva City Council approved an ordinance last week to outlaw synthetic drugs. While mirroring a state law may seem redundant, it makes sense in this case.
Geneva can levy fines against people caught using or selling synthetic drugs. The city also has the option of citing offenders under the city ordinance without filing felony charges.
This local approach to curbing drug use may deter some individuals without placing a felony conviction on their record. If it forces people to think twice about using these products, the ordinance has done its job.
It’s hard to believe the substance used by a teenager killed in a car crash last year in Batavia Township was legal.
Max Dobner of Aurora told his brother, Justin, that he was having a panic attack after smoking a synthetic drug June 14. Justin advised Max to take a shower and lie down.
But later that day, Max got behind the wheel of a car and drove to Batavia Township. The car crashed into a home near Route 31 and Mooseheart Road. Max was 19 when he died that day.
Synthetic drugs are products that mimic the effects of drugs such as marijuana. While they are often sold as incense, users frequently purchase these products with the intention of smoking them.
Max Dobner’s mother, Karen, spoke with various media outlets following the tragedy last year. She suspected that the synthetic drug used by her son played a role in the crash.
State legislators outlawed synthetic drugs, a measure that took effect Jan. 1. Local communities are passing their own ordinances banning the sale and use of these substances.
Members of the Geneva City Council approved an ordinance last week to outlaw synthetic drugs. While mirroring a state law may seem redundant, it makes sense in this case.
Geneva can levy fines against people caught using or selling synthetic drugs. The city also has the option of citing offenders under the city ordinance without filing felony charges.
This local approach to curbing drug use may deter some individuals without placing a felony conviction on their record. If it forces people to think twice about using these products, the ordinance has done its job.
