ST. PAUL (AP) — A legislative committee formed to advance the fight against synthetic drugs in Minnesota has met for the first time.

Chaired by Rep. Erik Simonson, a Duluth Democrat, the committee plans to research solutions and submit a report to the Legislature when it reconvenes in January.

Simonson says the report will include recommendations for new laws to combat the sale of the substances as well as ideas about how the state can help educate the public about the risks.

He says the problem is not limited to Duluth. His home city has been the center of the synthetic drug debate in Minnesota because a head shop there is selling the products despite complaints from city officials, residents and businesses.

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