OTHELLO — The Othello City Council voted unanimously Monday to ban the sale, advertisement and distribution of kratom and 7‑hydroxymitragynine products, making the community one of the first in the Columbia Basin to enact a full prohibition. The ordinance takes effect on Friday.

The decision followed weeks of discussion, research by city staff and testimony from residents and advocates. The discussion began at the April 13 council meeting with Police Chief Aaron Garza letting council know the products are being sold locally in gummies, teas and shots without age restrictions.

Mayor Ken Johnson said the issue first came to his attention when he learned an Othello resident had unknowingly consumed kratom and experienced serious effects.

“I started to do some research on it,” Johnson said. “I found out how easy, accessible that was for anybody to get, especially underage kids.”

After speaking with teens who told him they were aware of kratom’s availability, Johnson asked Garza to investigate further. The chief’s findings – paired with the lack of state regulation – pushed the city toward action.

“With no regulations or anything on it, that’s when I said we need to take a look at a possible ban,” Johnson said. “We need to do something temporary even until the state decides to step in and regulate it.”

What kratom is

Kratom is a psychoactive substance made from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, native to Southeast Asia. According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, kratom leaves contain more than 50 alkaloids, including mitragynine and 7‑hydroxymitragynine, the compounds responsible for its stimulant and opioid‑like effects.

The FDA’s recent scientific assessment describes 7‑OH as a potent opioid receptor.

“7‑OH demonstrates substantially greater mu‑opioid receptor potency than kratom’s primary alkaloid constituent mitragynine, as well as other classical opioids such as morphine,” reads the FDA’s report.

The agency also warns that concentrated 7‑OH products – often sold as gummies, shots, or tablets – are increasingly appearing in U.S. markets. These products contain levels of 7‑OH far beyond what naturally occurs in kratom leaves, often through synthetic conversion.

FDA researchers found that 7‑OH can cause respiratory depression, dependence, and withdrawal symptoms “characteristic of classical opioids, such as morphine, fentanyl, oxycodone, and hydrocodone.”

The agency has not approved kratom or its alkaloids for any medical use.

“These data sources indicate that 7‑OH is a potent opioid that poses an emerging public health threat,” the FDA report states.

Public testimony

Three people spoke during Othello’s public hearing: one kratom industry representative, one resident supporting the ban and one community member with questions.

Johnson said he understands some residents may feel kratom helps them manage pain or reduce opioid dependence, but he emphasized the risks of self‑medicating.

“Self‑medicating sometimes ain’t the answer,” he said.

Johnson said his own daughter was recently hospitalized after using an over‑the‑counter product she believed was safe.

“There needs to be a lot more research on kratom before things like that should happen,” he said.

He also pointed to the lack of age restrictions.

“It’s like any other drug, you can get addicted to it very easily,” Johnson said. “That, alone, should be a concern for our youth.”

Advocates applaud decision

Amy Dalluge, owner of The Green Seed in Moses Lake and a vocal advocate for kratom restrictions, spoke in favor of the ordinance. She said she has been traveling around Grant and Adams counties to speak about the dangers of kratom and 7-OH.

“It feels really, really good, and I’m extremely proud of them for taking affirmative action on something that extreme in regards to public health and safety,” Dalluge said about the passage. “They stood strong … and motioned forward with consumer protection.”

She hopes Othello’s move encourages neighboring communities to follow suit.

“I just hope that we start to see other communities follow,” she said. “Leadership takes affirmative action, and this is an example of that.”

What the ban does

Under Ordinance 1647, it is now illegal in Othello to sell kratom or 7‑OH products, advertise kratom products or distribute kratom in any form, including powders, capsules, pills, beverages, or extracts.

Violations carry a $250 civil infraction per offense, and businesses may have their city license revoked.

Johnson said police will begin notifying retailers once the ordinance takes effect on Friday.

The ordinance cites FDA and DEA findings that kratom and 7‑OH pose risks of addiction, psychosis, cardiovascular issues and overdose, especially in unregulated markets where potency varies widely.

A regional ripple effect

Warden City Council members said Othello’s decision prompted them to consider a similar ban, with a vote expected Tuesday night, after press time. Johnson said he plans to attend Warden’s meeting to give public comment.

“It’s encouraging,” he said. “Sometimes it takes these small little steps to get the big one done.”

Although Othello is the first in the Columbia Basin, cities including Spokane, Spokane Valley and Cle Elum have banned the drug. Other states across the nation have also put restrictions or full bans in place, as well.

Moses Lake City Council also heard public comment from Dalluge about the matter at the March 24 meeting, but has yet to take any action on the matter.