Idaho Falls weighing all-out kratom ban

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – After six kratom-related death investigations in 18 months in Bonneville County, the Idaho Falls City Council considered a measure last week to ban the sale of kratom within city limits.

“I was a little bit surprised by the number of letters I’ve already received about this,” said City Councilman Jim Freeman, who shared he has received a 2:1 ratio of correspondence supporting the ban.

The discussion comes seven months after the Bonneville County Coroner’s Office released a public health alert about the “dangerous and potentially fatal consequences of using” kratom.

The youngest-known kratom victim in Bonneville County was only 19-years-old, while the oldest was 42, according to the coroner office’s release.

City Council leaders said those opposed to banning the drug are well-funded and well-organized.

“If you're not aware of the the financial contributions in this industry in the state of Idaho, they are very significant,” said City Councilwoman Michelle Ziel-Dingman.

She also confirmed that she has received twice as many letters supporting a kratom ban.

The drug is derived from the tree leaves of “Mitragyna speciosa," which grows in Southeast Asia.

In low doses, it is a stimulant, but in higher doses it functions similar to an opioid depressant, the coroner's release states.

It is often labeled as a pain reliever, but has not been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Kratom products that would be banned by the ordinance include “food, food products, ingredients, dietary supplement, beverages or any other substances containing kratom sold for human consumption."

During the May 4 work session, the Council tabled discussion on kratom until May 18 or June 1, so that they can request expert testimony before the Mayor and a full City Council.

Council President Jim Francis acknowledged he's received well-reasoned arguments on both sides, and said Council members will carefully consider and weigh their decision.

We will continue to follow this story as the Council moves toward a decision.