Overview
- The Finance, Governance and Public Safety Committee approved a substitute ordinance and sent it to the full council for a Thursday vote.
- The measure would outlaw synthetic 7‑OH and other synthetic alkaloids while allowing unadulterated kratom to be sold only to those 21 and older, with potency limits for natural products.
- Dozens addressed the committee, with treatment providers citing rising misuse and many users urging the city to keep natural kratom available.
- Proposed penalties include fines up to $1,000 and possible jail time, and businesses would have 60 days to comply if the ordinance passes.
- Independence introduced a similar ban for consideration next month as the FDA pursues Schedule I status for 7‑OH and local records tie the drug to multiple deaths.