Oak Harbor youth coalition warns of kratom risks, recommends six‑month moratorium

Oak Harbor Youth Coalition Coordinator Amy Weldon told the City Council on April 14 that kratom products and synthetically altered derivatives pose a growing public health concern and recommended a six‑month moratorium on local sales while the city and county gather more data and prepare education and support.

Weldon, who said the coalition is funded by the Washington State Health Care Authority, described kratom as a plant product containing alkaloids such as mitragynine and 7‑hydroxymitragynine (7‑OH). "Low doses have that coffee‑stimulant effect, whereas higher doses can act similar to opioids and do carry similar risks," she said. Weldon cited Washington Poison Center data showing a rise in poison‑center calls and hospital admissions tied to kratom exposures, and she warned that some products are contaminated with heavy metals or biological agents.

Weldon told the council that the 2024–25 timeframe coincided with the emergence of more available 7‑OH products and that some packaged products marketed as "kratom" are synthetically modified and more potent. She cautioned that 7‑OH can bind opioid receptors and said naloxone has been used to reverse overdoses she linked to these products. "They're being sold in gas stations, vape shops, and convenience stores all over the state, including Island County," she said.

Weldon recommended a six‑month moratorium on kratom sales—similar to a temporary measure used in Cle Elum—so local authorities can research the issue, coordinate with health professionals on withdrawal and treatment protocols, and consider possible ordinances. She said Island County has at least eight points of access and noted that Spokane, Spokane Valley and Cle Elum have instituted local bans.

Council members generally expressed support for local action or age restrictions and raised implementation questions. Tony Slowick, Oak Harbor Police Chief, said local enforcement is limited without statewide regulation and that moving enforcement through a public health declaration or Board of Health process might be more effective. Mayor (role) said she sits on the Island County Board of Health and will press the issue there to seek the broadest, enforceable path forward.

What the council will do next: the mayor and staff indicated they will bring the subject to Island County public health/Board of Health for consideration; no municipal ordinance or vote was taken at the workshop.