Spokane Proposes City-Wide Kratom Ban

Spokane Officials Seek to Ban Kratom

In Spokane, Washington, Mayor Lisa Brown has put forward a new city ordinance aimed at completely banning the sale and distribution of kratom. The proposal, which will now go before the city council for consideration, follows a recent declaration by a local health official labeling the substance a public health crisis.

This move represents a significant local challenge to the kratom industry and consumers in the region. If passed, the ordinance would make it illegal for any business within Spokane city limits to sell or provide kratom products to the public. The proposal is a direct legislative response to Spokane County Health Officer Dr. Francisco Velazquez, who issued his public health warning in March, citing concerns over the substance's potential health risks.

The City's Rationale for a Ban

City officials are justifying the proposed ban by pointing to Dr. Velazquez's declaration, which highlighted a lack of FDA regulation and potential for adverse effects. The health officer's report referenced data from the Washington Poison Center, noting an increase in calls related to kratom exposure over the past several years.

Concerns cited by proponents of the ban often revolve around kratom's potential for dependency and the risks associated with unregulated products that could be contaminated or adulterated. Without federal or state oversight, local officials argue that a ban is the most effective way to protect consumers from potential harm. The city's proposal frames the issue as a necessary public safety measure in response to the health officer's professional assessment of risk.

Advocates Push for Regulation, Not Prohibition

For kratom consumers and advocates, the proposed ban is a step in the wrong direction. Organizations like the American Kratom Association (AKA) argue that prohibition is a flawed approach that will only drive the market underground, making it more dangerous for consumers. An unregulated, illicit market removes all safety controls and leaves consumers with no way of knowing if their products are safe or contaminated.

The preferred alternative, according to advocates, is sensible regulation. The AKA champions the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), a legislative framework that has been adopted by several states. The KCPA establishes clear rules for the industry, typically including:

• A minimum age requirement of 18 or 21 for purchase.
• Mandatory lab testing of products for purity and contaminants.
• Clear labeling requirements, including alkaloid content and ingredients.
• A ban on dangerously adulterated kratom products.

Advocates believe that implementing a KCPA in Spokane or at the state level in Washington would address the safety concerns raised by health officials without denying access to the millions of Americans who use kratom responsibly for health and wellness purposes.

What Happens Next?

The proposed ordinance will now be taken up by the Spokane City Council. The legislative process will likely include public hearings where residents, business owners, and advocates from both sides can voice their opinions. The outcome of this local debate could set a precedent for other municipalities in Washington and across the country that are considering how to approach kratom.

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