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Santa Cruz County delays vote on kratom ban after hours of public comment and health warnings
Summary
The Board of Supervisors declined to adopt a proposed countywide ban on kratom at first reading, directing County Counsel to rewrite the ordinance to distinguish natural kratom leaf from powerful synthetic 7‑OH products and to return with options (age limits, testing, enforcement) after further review.
Chair Hernandez opened a lengthy public hearing on a proposed ordinance to add chapter 7.17 to the Santa Cruz County Code that would prohibit sale and distribution of kratom in unincorporated areas. Second District Supervisor Kimberly DeSerpa introduced the ordinance citing public health concerns, recent local deaths, and lack of federal regulation.
Dr. Lisa Hernandez, the county public health officer, told the board that kratom’s active alkaloids act on opioid receptors and can cause dependence, liver injury, seizures and, in some cases, death. The sheriffofficeLieutenant Dee Baldwin said 11 local deaths in 2024-2025 had mitragynine present in toxicology reports and that one of those cases showed no other substances. The county public health officer and the sheriffrecommended the board take steps to reduce availability while staff and counsel develop enforcement pathways.
More than two dozen callers and dozens of in-person…
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