Matt Bell urges Toledo council to address kratom's risks in addiction recovery

The Toledo Public Safety & Criminal Justice Reform Committee convened on August 20, 2025, to discuss pressing issues related to public safety, including the proposed ban on the sale of kratom in the city. The meeting highlighted concerns over the substance's safety and its potential for addiction, particularly in the context of recent incidents involving kratom use.

During the session, committee members expressed apprehension about the lack of regulation surrounding kratom, which has been linked to serious health risks. One member noted that a recent case involved an individual with no known illnesses who had ingested kratom before experiencing severe health complications. This incident raised questions about the substance's safety and the need for local action.

Matt Bell, CEO of Team Recovery and a person in recovery himself, provided testimony based on his extensive experience in addiction treatment. He emphasized that while kratom has been used for centuries, its increasing popularity in Toledo necessitates a community response. Bell shared his personal experiences with kratom, describing it as potentially addictive and a gateway to other substance use. He cited a toxicology report indicating that kratom can lead to severe health issues, including death due to toxicity.

Bell also pointed out the alarming trend of polysubstance use, where individuals combine kratom with other drugs, complicating treatment and recovery efforts. He referenced data from the CDC indicating that a significant percentage of overdose deaths involve multiple substances, underscoring the dangers associated with kratom use.

The committee's discussions reflect a growing concern about the implications of kratom on public health and safety in Toledo. As the city considers a ban on its sale, the meeting underscored the need for informed decision-making based on community health data and expert testimony. The committee's next steps will likely involve further investigation into the substance's effects and the potential for regulatory measures to protect residents.