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St. Clair Shores adopts ordinance restricting kratom sales and possession for people under 21
Summary
The council adopted an ordinance restricting sale and transfer of kratom and related products to persons under 21 and classifying sales-to-minors as misdemeanors while possession by a minor is a civil infraction; the ordinance takes effect upon publication by the city clerk.
The St. Clair Shores City Council voted unanimously to adopt a local ordinance restricting the sale, transfer and possession of kratom and similar derivative products by people under the age of 21.
City attorney Mr. Erie introduced the ordinance as a stopgap measure while the state considers similar legislation. The ordinance contains two primary elements: it prohibits retailers and other sellers from supplying kratom to anyone under 21, and it makes possession by a person under 21 an offense characterized as a civil infraction in the municipal code. The council considered whether the sale-to-minors provision should be a misdemeanor and, following the city attorney’s recommendation, designated seller violations as misdemeanors and possession by a minor as a civil infraction.
Council members discussed enforcement and public education. Council member Reubella and others noted the need to make penalties and signage clear to retailers. The city attorney said the ordinance becomes effective on publication by the city clerk, at which point the city will require point-of-sale signage and move ahead with enforcement under the municipal code.
The ordinance passed by a 6–0 voice vote.
The council’s action imposes local restrictions that will operate alongside any future state law; if the state enacts a statewide ban or different penalties, the local code may be updated accordingly.
