Police chief urges local ban on kratom products; council schedules vote after fact-finding

Police Chief Davis told the council he brought forward Ordinance No. 45 2026 out of concern about the increasing availability and potency of kratom and concentrated mitragynine products, which he said are being sold in vape-style shops and, in some cases, gas stations. "These substances are being sold locally in forms that are easily accessible and in some cases appealing to younger individuals," he said, and cited poison-control data and local incidents connected to the products.

Chief Davis said the products can have both opioid-like effects and stimulant effects that complicate enforcement and treatment: "It has a level of intoxication that we believe was caused from kratom, which we believe led to the domestic batteries that have occurred." He described a recent burglary where the items were stolen and said the city wants to close gaps not currently addressed by state law.

Council members discussed whether the state already prohibits sales to minors and noted that distributors alter chemical formulas to stay ahead of statutory bans. Several members supported pursuing a local prohibition if legal authority is clear; others asked staff to identify manufacturers, distributors and the precise product forms to be targeted. The council agreed to bring the ordinance back for a vote in two weeks after staff research and drafting.

No formal motion or vote was taken; the discussion was recorded as direction to prepare a draft ordinance and supporting materials for council consideration.