State AGs Implore Oil Cos. to Stop Selling Synthetic Drugs

WAYNESBORO, Va. — Virginia Attorney General Mark Herring and a bipartisan group of attorneys general are calling on major oil companies to work with their franchisees to rid synthetic drugs such as K2 and Spice from the convenience stores and gas stations operating under their brand names, reported the Augusta Free Press.

Forty-three state and territorial attorneys general signed a letter that expresses concern over reputable brand names giving the appearance of safety and legitimacy to dangerous and illegal synthetic products. Enforcing stronger policies against the sale of synthetic drugs in retail locations can protect the brands' reputations while protecting young consumers, according to the group.

The attorneys general addressed the letter to BP, Chevron, CITGO, Exxon Mobil Corp., Marathon Petroleum, Phillips 66, Shell, Sunoco and Valero Energy Corp.

"It's no secret the use of dangerous synthetic drugs can be a serious threat to the safety and well-being of Virginia’s young people," stated Herring. "We must to do more to keep these dangerous chemicals out of the hands of children and teenagers, and enlisting the help of the private sector in these efforts is a critical step in the right direction."

The letter specifically asks the oil companies to:

• Prohibit franchisees from selling any kind of synthetic drugs.
• Ensure store franchisees and their employees understand this prohibition by communicating directly with each of them.
• Establish a corporate point of contact for franchisees in case they have questions about synthetic drugs.
• Revoke the franchisee/franchisor relationship with any c-store or gas station that sells any kind of synthetic drugs.
• Report any franchisee that is selling synthetic drugs to local law enforcement.