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Laguna Niguel introduces ordinance to ban sale of kratom and nitrous oxide; council waives full reading
Summary
The council introduced Ordinance No. 2025‑236 to prohibit sale and distribution of kratom and nitrous oxide products within Laguna Niguel, citing public‑health concerns and existing law enforcement advocacy. The introduction carried unanimously and the ordinance was read by title and found exempt from CEQA.
Laguna Niguel — The Laguna Niguel City Council introduced Ordinance No. 2025‑236 on Oct. 7, a measure to amend Division 3 of Title 5 of the Laguna Niguel Municipal Code to prohibit the sale and distribution of kratom products and nitrous oxide products within city limits.
Mayor Pro Tem Johns, who requested the item with the mayor, noted a letter from the California Narcotic Officers Association supporting the measure and said the products are “extremely accessible to minors.” He told the council that the Food and Drug Administration has expressed concerns that kratom “contains many of the same chemicals as opioids,” and that local law‑enforcement groups have urged cities to restrict sales.
Council members discussed public‑safety and youth‑access concerns; Council member Otto said she supported the ordinance because kratom was being marketed like a natural leaf but contains “synthetic components that can be very addictive.” Following discussion, the council waived full reading, introduced the ordinance by title, and the clerk recorded the introduction and CEQA exemption finding. The clerk announced the motion carried unanimously, 5–0.
The introduction is the council’s formal first‑step action; the ordinance will return for further consideration as required by local procedure and state law. The record notes a companion ordinance already adopted by other jurisdictions and a County of Orange measure with law‑enforcement support.
Provenance: first related remarks appear at 01:16:38 (Mayor Pro Tem Johns’ presentation) and the introduction/voice vote is recorded at 01:21:30 (ordinance introduced and carried 5–0).
