MOSES LAKE — Moses Lake City Council members are expected to discuss potential regulations on kratom products during their July 14 meeting, including options ranging from a complete ban on sales and distribution to age restrictions prohibiting sales to anyone under 21. 

According to city council agenda documents, the discussion was prompted by a request from the Grant County Health District and county health officer asking municipalities throughout Grant County to consider banning the sale and distribution of kratom products to protect public health. 

Kratom is a psychoactive substance derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant. City documents note that the product contains compounds with opioid-like properties and is not regulated by the federal government. 

The council will review two draft ordinances. 

The first would prohibit the sale, distribution and advertising of kratom products within Moses Lake city limits. Violations would be subject to civil penalties.  

The second option would allow kratom sales to continue but prohibit anyone under the age of 21 from purchasing or receiving the products. 

Staff wrote that regulating only certain kratom products would be difficult because the city lacks the resources to distinguish between pure kratom and products containing synthetic additives or other substances. Staff also cited limited enforcement resources for monitoring product contents. 

The discussion follows similar action by other Grant County communities – Ephrata, Mattawa, Royal City and Warden have already adopted kratom bans. Spokane, Spokane Valley, Cheney, Cle Elum and Othello have also enacted similar restrictions, while several other Washington communities are considering them. 

Council documents cite concerns raised by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Drug Enforcement Administration regarding kratom's safety, potential for dependence and lack of regulatory oversight. The documents also state that cases of kratom-related toxicity and adverse effects have been reported, particularly when combined with other substances. 

No formal action is scheduled for the July 14 meeting. 

“It's a first presentation, so the council will provide direction and not formally adopt anything,” City Administrator Rob Karlinsey said. 

Instead, council members are expected to discuss the proposals and provide direction to staff on whether to move forward with either ordinance. 

Residents will have an opportunity to make statements during public comment before the council determines what, if any, regulations should be pursued.