Why is Iowa City considering banning the sale of kratom?

Kratom sales are struggling in Iowa City.

The Iowa City City Council on Tuesday plans to amend its ordinance that would ban the sale of kratom, the over-the-counter leaf commonly found in pill form. The board has previously discussed the dangers of widespread marketing of drugs not approved by the FDA. The city banned new tobacco permits until the end of the year to give the council time to study “the best ways to mitigate the harmful impacts of tobacco, tobacco products, alternative products to nicotine and vaping products on public health.

What is kratom?

Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, according to the United States Food and Drug Administration. The FDA website states that the leaf and products derived from it are often used to “self-treat” certain pains and other conditions, including coughs, diarrhea, anxiety and depression.

Kratom is also used to manage “opioid use disorder and opioid withdrawal,” the FDA website states. The FDA has drawn a bright line on kratom, stating that “no drug products containing kratom or its two main chemical components that are legally on the market in the United States” have been approved by the FDA.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency classifies it as a “drug of concern” and writes in a drug fact sheet: “Use of kratom can lead to dependence.”

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What has the Iowa City City Council said about kratom?

Iowa City’s new ordinance would ban the sale of kratom products in all areas in an effort to “protect the health, safety and welfare of area residents.”

Councilors discussed and considered a kratom ban during two council work sessions in August, which included a discussion on the future of tobacco licensing.

“I think one of the biggest concerns about kratom in many communities is the fact that there is a lack of regulatory oversight from regulatory agencies within the federal government,” said Councilor Andrew Dunn during a discussion on August 20. The board and a presentation from Johnson County Public Health echoed that same sentiment.

The new city ordinance would ban the sale of kratom in stores within Iowa City limits.

Councilman Shawn Harmsen said the council’s goal is not to make it impossible to find kratom, given that none of the surrounding towns, like Coralville or North Liberty, have imposed similar provisions. Instead, he said, the concern is with the marketing and advertising of kratom, particularly to younger populations.

“Walking (into a tobacco store) and being able to see, ‘Hey, you can buy it legally, so it must be safe,’” Harmsen said. “It’s dangerous for something that’s not yet regulated.”

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When would the kratom ban come into effect?

The ordinance change will not restrict the possession or use of kratom for Iowa City residents. They simply won’t be able to buy the product locally.

“It is unlawful to sell, advertise, offer for sale, or distribute, directly or indirectly, any kratom product, or item labeled as a kratom product, in the City,” according to the proposed amendment to the proposed ordinance.

The council can still make minor, non-substantive changes at Tuesday’s meeting and other meetings before the new ordinance takes effect.

An ordinance change requires at least two council votes before it is active. This means that kratom sales could be banned as early as October 15, the council’s second meeting of the month.

Implementing the ordinance changes may also take up to three meetings, which would push the ban back until November 4.

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Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at [email protected] or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.