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Council introduces ordinance to restrict kratom sales to buyers 21 and older
Summary
Blythe City Council introduced Ordinance No. 946-26, modeled on Riverside County rules, limiting sale and distribution of kratom and related 7‑OH products to those at least 21 years old; council cited enforcement limits on testing product concentrations.
City staff presented Ordinance No. 946-26, which would add a new chapter to the Blythe Municipal Code to prohibit sale and distribution of kratom products to customers under 21. The presentation noted that kratom contains compounds with opioid effects, that the Food and Drug Administration has not approved kratom, and that other jurisdictions in Riverside County have adopted similar local restrictions.
Interim City Manager Crecelius told the Council the proposed City ordinance largely mirrors Riverside County’s approach but does not attempt to enforce a 2% 7‑OH concentration threshold, which staff and the Police Department say would be impractical to test and enforce. Council Member Halby summarized the local approach: "we are not banning anything; you just have to be 21 to purchase." Vice Mayor Rodriguez moved to introduce the ordinance; Council Member Burton seconded and the motion passed unanimously. The ordinance was introduced and may return for additional readings or adoption at a future meeting.
