Iowa City pauses push toward kratom ban, moves forward with tobacco restrictions

Iowa City has paused its push for a ban on kratom sales, deferring a policy change because of concerns for government overreach and its impact on users.

The Iowa City City Council voted 6-1 last week to indefinitely deny a third vote to approve a city-wide ban on the sale of kratom. The council noted that it will work with state legislators to prioritize the issue during the upcoming legislative session.

Residents oppose ban

Iowa City resident Caroline Ryan said the city’s pursuit to ban kratom sales puts the public’s health at risk.

“There are so few options for people who use drugs in Iowa,” Ryan said during last week’s meeting. “And this kratom ban is just one more way to send people at risk for overdose the message that your government doesn’t care that you live or die.”

Ryan said she didn’t believe the council intended to send that message, but their pursuit of the kratom ban would “send it anyway.”

“I just don’t think that (kratom) has risen to a level where it necessitates us intervening,” Councilor Megan Alter said. “It was not on anybody’s radar.”

Alter was the first councilor to oppose the ban in September. She has frequently drawn comparisons between the health effects of tobacco and alcohol, suggesting that the two substances are not regulated as much as kratom would be if the ban took effect.

Alter previously noted that cigarettes are legal, despite being “known to kill” and alcohol remains legal despite being “highly detrimental to people’s health.”

Council Laura Bergus said the lack of staff recommendation is “very influential” and she said to her, a decision on this ban is a “political decision.”

“I think we all know there’s no shame in learning more and changing our position on something,” Bergus said.

More:Iowa City council closer to kratom ban, new tobacco license restrictions. What to know:

Compliance and quality checks may need funded by the city

Councilor Andrew Dunn first initiated discussions on kratom in the spring as the council considered other tobacco-related sales restrictions. Dunn is one of three councilors against a complete ban.

He suggested tweaks that regulate kratom largely in the same way as tobacco, which includes police license and age verification checks.

For tobacco, however, those checks are funded by the state of Iowa. Any similar checks on kratom, including tests of purity and related characteristics of the substance, might need to be funded and conducted by the city if restrictions are put in place.

Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached atrhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.

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