The Mt. Carmel City Council has taken the first step toward banning the sale of a synthetic kratom product within the city.
During Monday afternoon's meeting, City Clerk Ryan Turner presented the first reading of Ordinance 2153, which would prohibit the sale of 7-OH, also known as 7-hydroxymitragynine, a synthetic kratom product.
Turner explained the ordinance applies only to the synthetic form of kratom. He said the natural leaf product is currently the subject of legal and legislative challenges because some groups argue it has legitimate medicinal uses.
Mayor Joe Judge said city officials contacted local retailers that had been selling the synthetic product, and all have now voluntarily removed it from their shelves. Turner added businesses have also removed advertisements promoting the product.
While the federal government is expected to enforce the nationwide ban on synthetic 7-OH products beginning this month, Turner said the city wants its own ordinance in place should future court decisions affect federal enforcement.
The ordinance received its first reading Monday and is expected to return to the council for final consideration at a future meeting.