TMC Ch. 513.17
Sale of Kratom
Melden, Williams, Hobbs
Title
Enacting a new Toledo Municipal Code (TMC), Chapter 513; Subsection 513.17 Prohibiting the Sale of Kratom.
Body
SUMMARY & BACKGROUND:
Kratom is an herbal extract that comes from the leaves of an evergreen tree called Mitragyna speciosa. The tree grows in Southeast Asia. Kratom users can chew the tree's leaves, swallow or brew dry kratom, or add the extract to a liquid.
People who use kratom report that at low doses, kratom acts as a stimulant. That means it makes them more alert and gives them more energy. At higher doses, people who use it report that it reduces pain and makes them feel calm and less anxious.
Some people take kratom to ease the symptoms of quitting opioids. Kratom may be easier to get than prescription medicines. But it carries its own risk of addiction, according to an article from the Mayo Clinic. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration, it carries risks of dependency, withdrawal, and psychotic symptoms. When someone tries to quit using kratom after long-term use, it can mimic the withdrawal pattern of opioids, causing muscle pain, insomnia, and mood swings.
People who take kratom believe that it helps them. But kratom hasn't been shown to be safe or to treat any medical conditions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned people not to use kratom because of possible harm it can cause. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration calls kratom a drug of concern.
Poison control centers in the United States received more than 3,400 reports about use of kratom from 2014 through 2019. These included reports of death. Side effects reported included high blood pressure, confusion and seizures.
Summary
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it ordained by the Council of the City of Toledo:
SECTION 1. That Toledo Municipal Code, Part Five, Chapter 513, Subsection 513.17, be enacted to read as follows:
513.17 Kratom Sale Prohibited
(a) As used in this section, unless ...
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