TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Leon County leaders are eyeing ways to regulate the sale of Kratom at local businesses.
The Leon County Commission voted Tuesday night to draft an ordinance banning certain derivatives of Kratom after hearing from advocates about alleged “dangers” of the product.
The substance is commonly sold as leaves, pills, gummies, or liquids and used for pain relief, anxiety and to treat withdrawal symptoms.
However, the Federal Drug Administration warns that regular or excessive use can cause addiction and other severe medical problems.
The issue was brought up during the meeting Tuesday by Commissioner Christian Caban’s office after concerns over addiction, regulation and lack of FDA approval.
Caban said their main goal would be taking more concentrated, synthetic forms of the product off the shelves.
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At this time, Caban said it is unclear if the final wording will include shops that sell natural forms of Kratom.
During the meeting, two advocates vocalized their support for an outright ban, including Dana Macdonald, whose son died from a Kratom overdose in Tallahassee last year.
“Sometimes, making the right decision aren’t the popular decisions. But, when you lose a child’s life, I think it definitely deserves a major talk,” she said. “The whole kratom should be banned.”
On Tuesday, Leon County commissioners also took a look at ordinances passed in areas such as Sarasota and Liberty counties.
Leon County’s ordinance is expected to be reviewed at the next commission meeting on November 17 and finalized by the end of the year.
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