Council introduces ordinance to ban flavored tobacco, nitrous oxide and limit kratom; council hears health concerns

The City Council introduced and voted to advance an ordinance that would prohibit the sale of flavored tobacco and nitrous oxide in Ontario and would limit kratom products within city limits.

Staff described the ordinance as adding Chapter 24 to the municipal code, under title 5 (public welfare, morals and conduct), and noted written communications had been received. Councilmember Macias asked for clarification about kratom after constituent emails. A staff subject-matter expert (identified in the transcript as Catherine) told the council, "Kratom is...unregulated...we as a nation, we have had numerous overdose deaths," and cited an LA County surge of overdoses linked to the product. Staff said the ordinance proposes a 2% concentration limit to make the product more regulated locally.

After council discussion, Macias moved and Miss Bridal seconded the action; the motion passed 4–0 with Mayor Pro Tem Watner absent. The council found the ordinance exempt from CEQA, per staff.

Councilmembers emphasized public health and protecting children from flavored nicotine products and the unregulated risks of kratom while noting the proposed 2% concentration threshold would not ban all kratom but would restrict higher-concentration products. The ordinance was advanced by the council; the transcript records the introduction and vote but does not list a full roll-call breakdown of individual yes/no votes.