A North Carolina lawmaker is expected to introduce legislation to ban so-called "love roses" -- tiny flowers packaged in glass tubes that critics say are intended to be used as crack pipes, not symbols of affection.

The Durham Herald-Sun reported Nov. 20 that after the city of Durham banned convenience stores from selling the roses, advocates like the Rev. Melvin Whitley -- founder of Durham's "Operation Pipe Dream" -- turned their sights on a statewide ban.

State Rep. Larry Hall (D) has now agreed to file legislation that imposes civil penalties for selling the glass-tube roses anywhere in the state. In Durham, the City Council called for $500 fines for anyone selling the love roses; Charlotte has a ban with a $50 fine, while Greensboro's ordinance sets a $100 fine.