TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Leon County leaders are eyeing ways to regulate the sale of Kratom at local businesses.<\/p>\n
The Leon County Commission voted Tuesday night to draft an ordinance banning certain derivatives of Kratom after hearing from advocates about alleged \u201cdangers\u201d of the product.<\/p>\n
The substance is commonly sold as leaves, pills, gummies, or liquids and used for pain relief, anxiety and to treat withdrawal symptoms.<\/p>\n
However, the Federal Drug Administration warns that regular or excessive use can cause addiction and other severe medical problems.<\/p>\n
The issue was brought up during the meeting Tuesday by Commissioner Christian Caban\u2019s office after concerns over addiction, regulation and lack of FDA approval. <\/p>\n
Caban said their main goal would be taking more concentrated, synthetic forms of the product off the shelves.<\/p>\n
More Tallahassee News<\/p>\n
At this time, Caban said it is unclear if the final wording will include shops that sell natural forms of Kratom.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cSometimes, making the right decision aren\u2019t the popular decisions. But, when you lose a child\u2019s life, I think it definitely deserves a major talk,\u201d she said. \u201cThe whole kratom should be banned.\u201d<\/p>\n
On Tuesday, Leon County commissioners also took a look at ordinances passed in areas such as Sarasota and Liberty counties. <\/p>\n
Leon County\u2019s ordinance is expected to be reviewed at the next commission meeting on November 17 and finalized by the end of the year.<\/p>\n
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