Sterling Heights officials hear local kratom survey, ask staff to draft age‑restriction ordinance
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Summary
Presenters told council a city survey found kratom sold at about 40% of retailers and nearly all displays were highly visible; councilmembers asked staff to draft a local ordinance (21+ age restriction, escalating fines) consistent with state action and Clinton Township's ordinance.
Sterling Heights — The City Council heard detailed testimony about kratom from the Sterling Heights Drug Free Coalition on the prevalence, packaging and potential risks of kratom products, and asked staff to draft a local ordinance to limit sales to adults.
Elizabeth Coppolo, program coordinator for the Sterling Heights Drug Free Coalition, and Lauren Lettsman, project coordinator with Project Vox in Macomb County, told the council they conducted 71 environmental scans in Sterling Heights and found 28 retailers — about 40% — sold kratom. Coppolo said the coalition observed that 96% of retailers that sold kratom displayed those products in highly visible or self‑serve locations, often near registers, candy or children’s toys.
"When something is visible and accessible in the community, it starts to feel normal," Coppolo said, stressing concern about youth exposure. Lettsman described product labeling inconsistency and told the council about concentrated synthetic derivatives appearing in the market, noting some of those preparations are being marketed "simply as kratom." The presenters also cited FDA publications and data gaps in adolescent surveys and toxicology testing for adult use.
Presenters referenced a pending state measure they called "House bill 49 69," which they said was introduced in September and moved out of a committee in November; presenters said the bill would establish a 21‑plus age restriction, labeling and testing standards if enacted. The speakers also noted Clinton Township adopted a local ordinance in January that sets a 21‑year age minimum, signage requirements and a $500 civil infraction penalty.
Councilmembers asked whether local hospitals have recorded kratom‑related emergency visits. Lettsman said peer recovery coaches working with area hospitals have noted an uptick in patients reporting kratom use, including cases where kratom was used without other substances.
Councilmember Radke asked the city attorney to review the Clinton Township ordinance and asked staff to draft a possible Sterling Heights ordinance. Councilmember Yarko asked for escalating fines beyond the $500 figure in Clinton Township, and other members pressed staff on enforceability; Lieutenant Aaron Susala said enforcement tools such as staged sting operations using police explorers have been used locally and were feasible.
The council did not take a formal vote on an ordinance; members directed staff to prepare a draft ordinance and return it for further consideration. The presenters requested the draft align with state action if possible and include licensing, testing and labeling standards.
