KELLOGG — The Kellogg City Council is considering a resolution that would ban the sale of kratom, potentially making Kellogg the first city in Idaho to enact such a ban.

Kratom is a plant-based product derived from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia. It contains naturally occurring compounds that can produce stimulant-like effects at lower doses and opioid-like effects at higher doses. In the United States, kratom is commonly sold in powders, capsules and beverages and is often marketed as a natural product.

The proposed resolution is being driven by the Kellogg Police Department, which has seen an increase in local use of the unregulated substance. Kratom is currently sold at three gas stations within city limits.

“There’s no regulations on this stuff, and it’s dangerous,” Kellogg Police Chief Paul Twidt said. “If a place wanted to sell it to a 10-year-old, they can.”

While the ban would be a first for Idaho, Kellogg would not be the first municipality in the region to take such action. In March, the Spokane City Council approved an ordinance prohibiting the sale and distribution of kratom within Spokane city limits.

 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration doesn't approve kratom for medical use, and federal health agencies have raised concerns about product consistency, potential contamination and the risk of dependence with regular use. Some individuals report using kratom to manage pain, increase energy or ease opioid withdrawal. Others experience side effects such as nausea, dizziness, constipation or, in rare cases, more serious adverse reactions.

In February, the Panhandle Health District warned residents to avoid all kratom products, citing concerns about addiction risk, overdose and product variability. PHD’s advisory highlighted many of the same concerns that Twidt raised.

The proposed ban has drawn some resistance from local business owners. Local gas station owner Jag Sandhu submitted an email to city officials outlining his opposition.

“While I fully support the council’s goal of ensuring community safety, I believe a total ban is an overreach that will harm local businesses without achieving its intended goals,” Sandhu wrote.

Sandhu suggested pursuing a middle-ground approach, emphasizing self-regulation and proposing a local workshop among Kellogg’s business community. He also stated his belief that a ban would push customers to neighboring communities to purchase the substance.

He further highlighted the distinction between natural kratom and synthetic versions, which he said are often more potent than their natural counterparts.

“We want to be part of the solution, not the problem,” Sandhu wrote. “I look forward to discussing how we can keep Kellogg safe while supporting the local businesses that keep our economy moving.”

Twidt said the final decision rests with the City Council, which could vote on the resolution during its regular meeting on Wednesday.