SPOKANE, Wash. — The Spokane City Council approved an ordinance banning the sale and distribution of kratom within city limits.
The ordinance was approved during Monday’s legislative session on a 6-1 vote.
“Spokane was the first city locally to introduce legislation like this, and now we are seeing other jurisdictions in our region follow our lead,” said Mayor Lisa Brown. “This is a clear sign that kratom needs to be regulated. I want to thank the City Council for approving this ordinance, which will save lives and set a powerful example for other communities grappling with its harmful effects.”
Kratom is a psychoactive plant that contains alkaloids, including mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which have dose-dependent effects. At low levels, they act like stimulants, while at high levels, their effects are more like opioids and sedatives.
The city says this legislation followed input from public health advocates and the Spokane Police Department, who said a ban was a necessary step to address concerns over the availability of kratom.
“Kratom is being sold in our community without federal or state regulation, standardized testing, or reliable labeling,” said Public Safety and Community Health Committee Chair, Council Member Kate Telis. “Consumers have no clear way to know what they’re buying, its potency, or its risks and interactions. Until there is rigorous research, consistent oversight, and transparent labeling, we cannot ignore the dangers and tragic consequences emerging nationwide. This ordinance protects public health by ensuring unregulated psychoactive substances are not sold without accountability or safeguards.”
The ordinance now heads to the Mayor’s desk for review. It will go into effect 30 days after the Mayor signs it.
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