Some call it “over-the-counter heroin.” That’s why Scranton city leaders, addiction advocates, and the Lackawanna County District Attorney’s Office are in favor of an ordinance that looks to take Kratom off of city store shelves.
“Over the past several years, we’ve seen Kratom become increasingly available in convenience stores, vape shops, and gas stations. It has not only become increasingly available, but also increasingly potent,” said Patrick Flynn, (D) Scranton City Councilman.
The legislation brought forward by Scranton City Councilman Patrick Flynn would ban the sale of Kratom in stores within city limits.
Flynn and addiction specialist Joe Van Wie say the drug has created a new stream of younger addicts, along with an increase in the number of relapses seen throughout treatment centers in the area.
“You think it’s safe, it’s on the counter, and the potency that you’ve seen happen over the last 24 months is a toxicity level for overdose 30, 40, 60 days of withdrawal, which is well beyond the scope of withdrawal from heroin, fentanyl, so it’s, it’s been like a plague on the recovery community,” said Joe Van Wie, Fellowship House CEO.
Newswatch 16 found several stores in Scranton, just a short drive from each other, that advertise Kratom.
Employees tell Newswatch 16 that the people who they say buy Kratom use it to manage pain.
While it’s been around for years, one worker says it’s become popular over the last two years, and a ban would certainly affect business.
“Unfortunately, this isn’t an attack on small businesses or gas stations. This is just about keeping people safe,” said D.A. Brian Gallagher, (D) Lackawanna County.
The ordinance is set to be voted on during Tuesday night’s Scranton City Council meeting.
If it is adopted, the district attorney’s office says retailers will be given notice and a grace period to remove the products before penalties and possible prosecution are enforced.