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Spokane Valley council adopts ban on kratom sales, 6–1
Summary
The Spokane Valley City Council approved Ordinance 26-003 to prohibit the sale, distribution and advertisement of kratom products within city limits, making violations class 1 civil infractions with $250 fines and potential business-license revocation; an amendment to delay enforcement failed.
The Spokane Valley City Council on March 3 voted 6–1 to adopt Ordinance 26-003, banning the sale, distribution and advertisement of kratom products within city limits.
The measure, which creates chapter 7.55 of the Spokane Valley Municipal Code, classifies a violation as a class 1 civil infraction carrying a $250 fine and authorizes revocation of a business license for repeat violations. The ordinance also adds per‑violation, per‑day language and expands the definition of “advertise” to include billboards and electronic media.
The ordinance drew a public presentation from Spokane City Council President Betsy Wilkerson, who urged regional coordination after Spokane adopted a similar ban. Deputy City Attorney Caitlin Prunty and police outlined the code language and enforcement approach during the second reading. Prunty said the ordinance “prohibits the sale, distribution, and advertisement of any kratom product within Spokane Valley” and noted staff had added advertising and per‑day penalty language since first reading.
Council members debated how enforcement would work against online advertising and whether to allow retailers time to deplete inventory. Council member Merkel offered an amendment to extend the city’s retailer-notification period to May 5 to allow businesses more time to sell existing stock; the amendment failed on a voice vote. Council members who opposed an extension said a longer window risked drawing more product into the community and complicating enforcement.
Public commenters offered mixed views: some urged regulation rather than an outright ban and noted kratom’s use for pain management, while others and law-enforcement representatives cited youth access and the presence of high‑concentration products in convenience stores.
Mayor Patton presided over the vote. The ordinance takes effect five days after the mayor signs it; staff said enforcement would be delayed roughly 30 days to allow for retailer outreach and education. The council directed staff to coordinate communications for businesses and the public.
The council’s written ordinance number is 26-003; staff said the city will notify identified retailers and use existing business‑licensing lists for outreach before enforcement begins.
