ARLINGTON — The Arlington City Council on October 12 will be discussing an ordinance prohibiting the commercial sale, distribution, and advertising of kratom products within Arlington city limits.
The ordinance is intended to protect public health and safety by limiting commercial access to kratom products.
Kratom is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant and may be sold as powders, capsules, tablets, extracts, and beverages. It can cause effects ranging from nausea, dizziness, and drowsiness to more serious risks such as seizures, liver toxicity, dependence, and withdrawal. Risks can increase with concentrated products or when kratom is used with alcohol, medications, or other drugs. The ordinance applies to products intended for human consumption that contain kratom, mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, synthetic kratom alkaloids, or related derivatives.
“Arlington is committed to protecting our young people and our community from harmful and potentially addictive substances,” Mayor Don Vanney said. “This ordinance sends a clear message that we will not allow the commercial sale or promotion of kratom products in our city.”
Under the ordinance, businesses and individuals may not knowingly sell, distribute, or advertise kratom products in Arlington. The ordinance also authorizes the City to deny, suspend, or revoke a business license when a business violates the prohibition.
The ordinance addresses commercial activity involving kratom products and does not create a prohibition on personal possession or use.
Link to proposed ordinance: https://www.arlingtonwa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/17467/ATTACHMENT-B
Source: City of Arlington
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
