Wright City last week became the second local municipality to ban fake marijuana and “bath salts,” the latest imitation drugs. Aldermen voted unanimously at last Thursday’s meeting to put regulations in place to make it illegal for a person to posses, sell or display a product containing synthetic cannabinoids. The drugs that the city is prohibiting are becoming a popular choice for users who can buy the items legally at convenience stores, head shops or on the Internet. The new law was expanded before final approval by the board to include a long list of chemical compounds that were included in similar ordinances either approved or under review by the Missouri House of Representatives and St. Louis and St. Charles counties. City officials tried to make the ordinance as comprehensive as possible as drug users find ways to skirt around similar bans. The synthetic marijuana, which is commonly been referred to as K-2, includes chemicals that provide a marijuana-like high when smoked. The “bath salts,” can be smoked, snorted or injected and has effects similar to methamphetamine, PCP and other drugs. Wright City Police Chief Douglas Saulters said no local convenience stores or shops have been selling the now illegal items, but said its popularity and use is increasing. “I support this wholly,” he said. “Look at the deaths we’ve seen, we’re saving their lives (by banning these drugs).” Mayor David Heiliger also was glad to see the city approve the measure. “Warren County has enough problems with drugs, so this is something that has to be done,” he said. “Every other community is starting to go in this direction. We’re trying to be proactive.” The city began researching the proposed ordinance following an inquiry by resident Gina Allen, who approached the board last month about putting tougher regulations in place following Truesdale’s recent movement on the matter. Earlier in March, Truesdale aldermen passed an ordinance making it illegal for a person to possess, use or transport a “bath salt” drug within the city limits. Other similar bans have been occurring statewide. Last week, St. Charles County banned “bath salts,” one year after it put regulations on K-2 and other fake pot products. Troy also passed a ban on “bath salts” earlier this year. City officials preferred to take their own action on the imitation drugs rather than wait for the state Legislature to make a decision, where the proposed law has opposition. “We felt like getting out in front of it instead of waiting for the state to do it,” Alderman Jim Schuchmann said. “When you say bath salts, we’re not eliminating all bath salts. That is what they generally call it to make it sound more innocent.” Allen, who was in attendance at last week’s meeting, applauded the board’s support of banning the drugs. “I certainly appreciate you being proactive, and like you said, you don’t know what the state is going to do,” she said.