DEARBORN — The Wayne County Department of Public Health has issued an emergency order declaring the synthetic drug “Cloud 9” and a similar product named “Hookah relax” illegal and an imminent danger to society.

Cloud 9 is a clear liquid that has been used with alcoholic beverages, smoked with an e-cigarette, hookah or with marijuana. According to the county, it is packaged in a small bottle without labels or ingredients. Ingredients of the drug are believed to include chemicals from air fresheners and bath salts. 

The effects can include agitation, paranoia, hallucinations, chest pain, increased pulse, high blood pressure and suicidal thinking or behavior. It’s often sold as incense.

The scare began in September when two high school students from Westland and four high school students from Canton were hospitalized after consuming the drug, which has been making the rounds at liquor stores and gas stations. Retail price can range from $15-$20 a bottle. 

While there haven’t yet been any reported incidents involving “Cloud 9” in Dearborn, both the city and the police department are already taking an initiative to block its retail roll-out in the community.

In a press release this week, Mayor Jack O’Reilly, the Dearborn City Council and State Representative George T. Darany said they have formulated a plan to visit every gas station, tobacco shop and convenience store in the city to ensure the product is not being sold. 

 “Immediately following the County’s emergency order we began visiting each and every location in the city where these dangerous substances might be sold,” Dearborn Police Chief Ronald Haddad said. “As of today, we have visited over 60 establishments and not found a single violation.” 

During their visits, Dearborn Police also educated business owners about the dangers of selling the product, providing them a copy of Wayne County’s emergency health order.

In addition, this week Dearborn Public Schools Superintendent Brian Whiston disclosed that while the schools have not experienced any instances involving “Cloud 9”, all district staff will be made aware of this new dangerous drug and its potentially deadly effects on users. 

The crackdown on “Cloud 9” is reminiscent of the state-wide ban of “K2”, a synthetic marijuana that made the rounds at local high schools and colleges in 2012. Use of that drug led to bizarre and violent behavior, hospitalizations and deaths. 

Dearborn officials stated that if any business or individual is found in possession of  illegal synthetic drugs, business owners will face criminal charges. 

Penalties range from a misdemeanor to a felony, with a maximum penalty of imprisonment for not more than seven years or a fine of not more than $10,000.00, or both.