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Warren council directs city attorney to draft kratom ordinance after police warn of potent analogs
Summary
After a police briefing on kratom and stronger synthetic analogs sold locally, the Warren City Council voted unanimously to direct the city attorney to draft a local ordinance and pursue other remedies including public education and outreach to state lawmakers.
Warren City Council members on Tuesday directed City Attorney Jeff Schroeder to draft an ordinance addressing kratom and related high‑potency analogs after a briefing from the Warren Police Department.
The move followed remarks from Capt. Binkowski of the Warren Police Department, who told the council that unregulated kratom products and synthetic analogs sold in storefronts can be far stronger than the natural plant and can mimic opioid effects. “The body metabolizes that also into a higher level … which then responds to the receptors much like opioids and gives you the same effects or euphoria,” Binkowski said, describing products labeled “extra strength,” “full spectrum” or “extract” as more likely to contain potent additives.
Councilwoman Mindy Moore moved to direct Schroeder to draft an ordinance, saying law enforcement and council should have a clear enforcement standard and that the city should also consider community education. “My motion is to direct Mr. Schroeder to work on an ordinance,” Moore said. The motion was supported by Councilman Jonathan Lafferty and carried on a unanimous vote.
In the discussion, Schroeder cautioned that local regulation may face legal limits if the substance is not a controlled drug at the state or federal level. “There may be a bit of a challenge … we may be preempted in some of our actions here,” he said, adding that he will consult surrounding communities that are exploring bans or controls and that zoning or retail restrictions might be possible alternatives.
Council members agreed to also draft a letter to the city’s state legislative delegation asking for state‑level action. Council members and police said public education for residents and schools would be an immediate, low‑barrier step while legal options are explored.
The council did not adopt an ordinance at the meeting. The direction given to the city attorney is procedural: Schroeder was asked to return with draft language and recommended next steps.
Community outreach and public‑education measures were discussed as near‑term priorities; adoption of any ordinance will require later readings and formal votes.
