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Staff recommends researching city ban on kratom sales after vape shop inquiry
Summary
After a vape shop inquired about selling gummies and kratom, staff told council members the FDA warns against kratom use and recommended taking the issue to the utility and ordinance committees for research and possible ordinance language.
Council members discussed a recent inquiry from a local vape shop about selling gummies and the botanical product kratom. Committee member (S2) reported the shop approached staff, and staff member (S5) said she provided information about kratom and federal cautions. S5 summarized that the FDA warns consumers about serious adverse events associated with kratom use, including liver toxicity, seizures and rare deaths, and suggested the council consider banning its sale in the city ordinance.
Committee members asked whether other jurisdictions have banned kratom and whether boilerplate ordinance language exists; S3 urged careful, comprehensive research of related products so the city’s language would not miss sister substances. Members agreed to refer the matter first to the utility committee for fact‑finding and then to the ordinance committee for drafting potential ordinance language and enforcement options.
No ordinance change occurred at this meeting. The council directed staff to gather examples and regulatory language and return the matter to committee for further consideration.
