The sale and possession of synthetic kratom would be banned under an ordinance amendment that had a first reading at this week's Washington City Council meeting.
Natural kratom would not be impacted by the amended ordinance.
Kratom of any type currently cannot be sold to anyone under age 21 in Washington. Under the terms of the ordinance amendment, any business selling kratom cannot allow anyone under 21 from entering the store.
Also banned in the ordinance amendment are the possession and sale of cannabis and cannabis products except in state-regulated dispensaries or for those who have a medical marijuana card.
A second reading and council vote on the ordinance amendment will be held May 4.
Several Central Illinois communities have already banned the sale of kratom, including East Peoria, Peoria Heights, Morton, Pekin and Bloomington.
The council also discussed a proposed cannabis dispensary that's scheduled for votes in May.
Smoke/vape shop moratorium in place
Council approved a 90-day moratorium on issuing permits for new smoke/vape shops.
While the moratorium is in effect, council and city staff will consider, among other things, adding additional regulations for those businesses.
One possible new regulation is banning everyone under age 21 from entering a smoke/vape shop.
City staff is not aware of any smoke/vape shop seeking to open in Washington.
The council waived a second reading of the moratorium resolution so the moratorium would go into effect immediately.
