Bellingham is considering a ban on preparation, sales and distribution of kratom products, joining federal officials and a growing number of state and local governments that are expressing concern over the psychoactive product.
In July, as Bellingham officials were writing their proposed ordinance, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration moved to place kratom and related products on a list of controlled substances.
“These psychoactive products are readily available at convenience stores, smoke shops and other retail establishments, sometimes in forms and flavors that may appeal to young people or without labeling that clearly communicates their potency and risks,” according to a summary statement included with the proposed ordinance. The measure and supporting documents were published Tuesday at the city’s website.
Kratom comes from the leaves of a tree native to Southeast Asia. It contains the opioids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine or 7-OH, according to the American Psychiatric Association.
It can be sold as a powder, in tablets or capsules, as tea or another drink and is sometimes available in highly concentrated form because it remains unregulated. Kratom is variously promoted as a wellness drink, a stimulant or as a way to withdraw from opioid drugs.
Other medical professionals are expressing concern too, including the Mayo Clinic.
“Some studies have found that some kratom sellers add more of the active ingredient than kratom naturally has. And because kratom products lack clear labels, it’s not possible to know how much kratom people who use it take,” the Mayo Clinic said in an article published at its website. “Depending on the amount of active ingredient in the product and the health of the user, taking kratom can be harmful. There are too few studies to be able to rate the claims about the benefits of kratom.”
In Bellingham, kratom products are sold at many locations, including gas stations, smoke shops and convenience stores, and they are available to children and teenagers.
Members of the City Council’s Public Health, Safety, and Justice Committee are scheduled to discuss the proposed ban on kratom at 1 p.m. Monday in Council Chambers at City Hall, 210 Lottie St.
Full council consideration of the ordinance is set for 7 p.m. Monday in Council Chambers.
If it is approved on first and second reading as is the council’s custom, the measure could return for a third and final vote on Sept. 28 and become law 15 days later.
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