County hearing draws personal testimony from kratom users and advocates

Dozens of public callers addressed the committee during the kratom agenda item, and many described long‑term, personal use of natural leaf kratom to manage pain, reduce opioid use or remain functional. Callers asked the county either to exclude traditional leaf kratom from any ban or to pursue a regulatory approach that sets age limits, potency thresholds, and third‑party testing requirements for retail products.

A caller, Connie Sanford, said she had used unadulterated natural kratom under medical supervision for 12 years and asked the committee to keep access for adults: “By necessity from extreme pain, I have taken unadulterated natural leaf kratom under doctor's supervision for 12 years,” she said. Other callers—patients, retailers and advocates—urged targeted restrictions on synthetic derivatives and expressed willingness to work with staff on an approach that prevents youth access while preserving adult therapeutic access. The committee directed staff to return with options that consider thresholds or exemptions and to consult state officials about enforceability.