The Kootenai Planning & Zoning Commission discussed a draft ordinance to regulate kratom products, focusing on restricting access for children and establishing an age limit of 21 for natural leaf kratom. The proposed ordinance also addresses adulterated kratom products and potential collaboration with cities.
So at a local level, that Board of County Commissioners can pass ordinances in situations like this. So the main concern that I have is the access to these products by children. So right now there's just no age limit whatsoever. i've not heard any debates naturally but i do want to at least get done with kids hands so at this point the county can only enact ordinances in the unincorporated area so if the cities do not follow suit then it is useless for the county to enact an ordinance. It actually creates monopoly situations and you're picking winners and losers. If you have a gas station in the county, you lose because you can't sell products. If you have a gas station in the city, you're good to go. So it's very, very important that we talk to you about other council members here. They are very interested in partnering with the county and looking at some of these ordinances that we can do. We do have a draft ordinance here, and I just want to read you part of it again. If children are my main focus, I am willing to put a ban on 7-OH and then the natural leaf would be 21 and over. Now, as more information is brought to us, this is the first time after Dr. Duke's presentation, I'm willing to continue to have those conversations if, you know, a more stricter ban needs to be on other products as well. But right now, Definition of adulterated kratom product is any kratom product that contains any synthesized material, semi-synthesized alkaloid or synthetic kratom-like compound, contains an additive or artificial increase 7-OH, contains 7-OH that exceeds 2% of content, contains more than one milligram of serine of 7-OH, contains heavy metals exceeding the applicable federal limits, contains microbial contamination, mold, salmonella, E. coli, or other harmful adulterants, or contains any neutral substance listed. Then we've got Chapter 27, Title 37 of the Vitamin Code. So then the natural relief would be restricted to 21 and over. And that was just one small part. It's actually a six-page ordinance. We have some excellent legal counsel here at the county. So again, I'm happy to bring this forward to the Board of Commissioners who are already in agreement that something needs to be done.
This transcript was automatically generated from the official public meeting video and is presented unedited. It reflects remarks made on the public record by elected officials, staff, and public commenters. Transcript accuracy may vary; view the original recording for reference.