Federal judge won't stop Duluth from enforcing its local law regulating synthetic drugs

DULUTH, Minn. — A federal magistrate judge won't stop the city of Duluth from enforcing a new ordinance regulating the sale of synthetic drugs.

A store owner who was selling synthetic drugs filed for a preliminary injunction to block enforcement. Last Place on Earth owner Jim Carlson argued the ordinance is unconstitutional because it requires an individual applying for a license to sell synthetic drugs to provide self-incriminating information.

U.S. Magistrate Judge Leo Brisbois says Carlson has not met his burden of demonstrating a threat of immediate irreparable harm.

The Duluth News Tribune (http://bit.ly/16Ga9Ca ) says Carlson has stopped selling synthetics at his store. He's facing federal charges for allegedly selling misbranded synthetic drugs and chemicals similar to controlled substances.