Richland council hears kratom briefing; staff outlines bans, age limits and sunset approach

City Manager John Amundsen presented an informational briefing on kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) at the Richland workshop, explaining the difference between traditional leaf products and highly concentrated semi-synthetic 7‑OH formulations that manufacturers can produce. He summarized Washington state data—citing 36 deaths in 2022 where kratom was detected and noting 89 percent of those involved at least one other substance—and local emergency medical records showing 14 incidents since April 22 in which kratom was documented in patient care records.

Amundsen outlined four local-policy options: a total ban on retail sale, an under-21 sales restriction, targeting only concentrated 7‑OH products (which would require lab testing and enforcement), or taking no local action and waiting for state or federal regulation. He said staff favored the Spokane 'sunset clause' model, where a local ordinance would automatically lapse if state or federal law later preempted it. Council members debated enforcement and public-safety trade-offs; multiple members voiced support for a total local ban to reduce youth access and retail availability, while others urged at least an under-21 restriction as a minimum. Several members also asked staff to consult with jurisdictions that have already acted and to return with ordinance language and enforcement cost estimates.

Why it matters: The council indicated a direction to pursue local regulation, primarily to limit youth access and address recent local incidents; staff will research implementation models (including sunset clauses) and report back.