Council members in Philadelphia are close to outlawing the smoking of blunts in
the city. Last Thursday (Oct. 26), the council’s Committee on Licenses and Inspections
unanimously approved a bill that would make the sale of "loosies" and
other drug paraphernalia, including cigarette wrapping papers, illegal. The Philadelphia
Metro reports that sales of cigars in packages of fewer than six would also be
banned, except those sold in specialty tobacco shops.

Available at most inner-city convenience stores and Chinese take out restaurants,
"loosies" are loose cigars that are frequently emptied out and filled
with marijuana. "I think it sends the wrong message when you can get a
blunt or rolling papers with your Now and Laters or Lemonheads or pretzel sticks,"
said Stephen Clay, a medical director at the Gaudenzia drug treatment facility.

Local activists believe the accessibility of blunts in stores and on the streets
helps create a feeling of "lawlessness." They further point out that
the items are at times laced with cocaine or PCP for a greater high. If the
bill is passed, at least one major retailer has vowed to stop selling small
packages of blunt cigars, according to the Metro, which added that the entire
council is expected to approve the measure next month.