‘A real concern for our youth’

The city of Othello is considering a ban on kratom and kratom-related products. The council began discussion Monday but tabled it to allow for public comment at the Apr. 27 City Council meeting.
AP Photo/Mary Esch, File

by NANCE BESTON
Staff Writer | April 14, 2026 4:27 PM

OTHELLO — The city of Othello is weighing whether to outlaw the sale of kratom and concentrated 7‑hydroxymitragynine products, citing rising safety concerns, unregulated access for youth and new federal data showing the compound behaves like a potent opioid.

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