Spokane: New Ordinance Seeks to Prohibit Sale, Distribution of Kratom
Washingtoner/10311197

~ Spokane Mayor Introduces Ordinance to Prohibit Sale and Distribution of Kratom

Spokane, WA- In response to concerns raised by local public health advocates and the Spokane Police Department, Mayor Lisa Brown has introduced an ordinance that aims to ban the sale and distribution of kratom within the city limits.

Kratom is a psychoactive plant that contains alkaloids, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which have varying effects depending on the dosage. At low levels, they act as stimulants, while at high levels, they can have opioid-like and sedative effects.

According to reports from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and University of Washington Addictions, Drug & Alcohol, products containing 7-OH pose a high risk for substance-use disorder and overdose.

The Washington Poison Center has also reported a significant increase in calls related to kratom use, including calls involving children.

Sarah McNew, Coalition Coordinator of the West Spokane Wellness Partnership and a substance prevention professional, expressed her support for the ordinance. "As members of this policy workgroup, we have seen firsthand how unregulated substances like kratom pose serious risks to youth and adults in our community," she said. "We recognized the urgent need for action to protect our community and get ahead of this emerging issue before more harm occurs."

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Spokane Police Officer and Drug Recognition Expert Mike Thomas also voiced his concerns about kratom's availability in local convenience stores with little regulation. "We are seeing a significant increase in impaired drivers using kratom in Spokane," he said. "Additionally, individuals struggling with substance use disorder are turning to kratom as an alternative to other substances. We are extremely concerned about its availability and the risks it poses to our community's youth."

Mayor Brown acknowledged the input from both public health advocates and law enforcement in crafting this ordinance. "They have seen real harm in our community, and it is our responsibility to take action to protect our citizens and keep our community safe," she said.

The ordinance, sponsored by Councilmembers Paul Dillon and Zack Zappone, will be presented before the Public Safety and Community Health Committee on Monday, December 1. If passed, it will prohibit the sale and distribution of kratom within the City of Spokane.

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