ARLINGTON, Wash. — The Arlington City Council is set to consider an ordinance that would prohibit the commercial sale, distribution, and advertising of kratom products within city limits.
The proposal would apply to products intended for human consumption that contain kratom, mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, synthetic kratom alkaloids, or related derivatives.
According to a report by the Food and Drug Administration, Kratom comes from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant and can be sold in forms including powders, capsules, tablets, extracts, and beverages.
Kratom can cause effects including nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness, as well as more serious risks such as seizures, liver toxicity, dependence, and withdrawal. The city says risks can increase with concentrated products or when kratom is used with alcohol, medications, or other drugs.
Under the proposed ordinance, businesses and individuals would not be allowed to knowingly sell, distribute, or advertise kratom products in Arlington. The city could also deny, suspend, or revoke a business license for violations.
The proposal comes weeks after two University of Mississippi students, 18-year-old Aidan Hamilton and 20-year-old Robert Strang, were found dead in separate locations in Oxford, Mississippi, on Sept. 21. Investigators found packages believed to contain kratom or synthetic kratom-related substances near both students. Authorities have investigated possible drug overdoses, but have not established that the kratom-related products caused or contributed to either death.
The proposal would not prohibit personal possession or use of kratom.
The Arlington City Council is expected to discuss the ordinance next week.
The Associated Press contributed reporting to this article.
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