Cities and counties can protect neighborhoods now with ordinances, licensing, and community education.
See also: Letter Templates • State Law Picker • Q&A
What they can do
• Ban sales inside city limits; require warning signs in any store selling “supplements”
• Revoke/deny business licenses to retailers selling gas-station drugs
• Hold public hearings to build support
Limitations
• State law can preempt local rules; enforcement resources vary
Ask them to
• Pass local bans/resolutions urging state action
• Fund compliance checks and merchant education
What they can do
• Enforce state/federal drug laws; inspect retailers; collect evidence
• Coordinate with health departments on education & alerts
Limitations
• Can act only when products are illegal or misbranded
Ask them to
• Map outlets selling these products; support community meetings
• Enforce once ordinances pass
What they can do
• Teach students/parents what gas-station drugs really are
• Share state/local health alerts; watch for new products
Limitations
• Schools can’t control retail — only education & campus policy
Ask them to
• Add this content to health classes
• Send flyers to families; join prevention coalitions