The Iowa City Council recently passed a controversial ordinance banning the sale of kratom within city limits, citing public health concerns and the lack of FDA approval for the substance.
The new ordinance, which took effect immediately, prohibits vendors from selling kratom within city limits. However, it remains legal for people to possess and consume kratom in Iowa City.
The decision came after a heated debate and was accompanied by new regulations limiting where tobacco retailers can operate. The ordinance passed with a vote of 4-1, with two council members absent. One of the absent members was Andrew Dunn, who recently promised to oppose the ban in favor of regulations. The single councilor who opposed the ordinance, Megan Alter, was in favor of age restrictions and other regulations. She argued, “The bottom line is that it is not illegal and that there have been people who have said, ‘This is working for me.’ I don’t think that we are in a position to say we will ban kratom when we are also allowing cigarettes, tobacco, and alcohol.”
The council has been working on the tobacco regulations for months, aiming to reduce the proliferation of tobacco shops near schools and the University of Iowa. The meeting took an unexpected turn when Iowa City Mayor Bruce Teague claimed that he had received emails opposing the kratom ban that appeared fraudulent. The emails had been sent using the names of a few real Iowa City residents with whom the mayor spoke, who claimed they did not send the emails. The council is now investigating the source of these emails and considering further actions.
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, and its leaves are often used to self-treat conditions such as pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal. Despite its popularity, the FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use, and there are ongoing debates about its safety and efficacy.
The council’s decision to ban kratom sales is part of a broader effort to address public health concerns in the city. In addition to the kratom ban, the council approved zoning changes aimed at limiting the spread of tobacco retailers near schools and the University of Iowa. These new regulations are intended to reduce the harmful impacts of tobacco and other nicotine products on public health.
The meeting was marked by contentious debate and divided opinions, with community members and lobbyists voicing concerns on both sides. Despite the opposition, the council moved forward with the ban, emphasizing the need to protect public health and reduce the availability of potentially harmful substances.