Royal City bans kratom, becoming second in Grant County

ROYAL CITY — The Royal City City Council unanimously approved a ban on the sale and distribution of kratom and kratom-derived products during its June 2 meeting, making it the second city in Grant County to take action against the substance. 

The ordinance adopts a new chapter of municipal code prohibiting the sale, advertising and distribution of kratom within city limits. The ban will take effect 60 days after passage. 

Royal City follows Warden, whose city council enacted a similar ban earlier this year. Othello, located in Adams County, enacted a similar ban this year as well. Grant County Health District also released a March 27 statement encouraging local governments to consider restrictions on the substance.

Mayor Ryan Piercy said the decision was influenced in part by discussions with other cities and growing concern over kratom’s safety and lack of regulation. 

“Other cities were doing it and suggested that we also take a look,” Piercy said. “There are concerns that it’s not regulated and that it has side effects that are becoming more well known. We don’t see a pressing need to have it in our community if it’s unproven.” 

Kratom is a plant-derived substance with stimulant and opioid-like properties. According to the ordinance, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved kratom for medical use, and the Drug Enforcement Administration has identified it as a “drug and chemical of concern.”  

The ordinance also notes reports of dependency, adverse health effects, and potential toxicity, especially when combined with other substances. 

Council members also raised concerns about the lack of age restrictions on kratom products. Piercy said the possibility that minors could access the substance was a key factor in the decision. 

“That was definitely a concern of the council, that there’s no age restriction on it,” he said. 

Unlike some communities that have dealt with existing sales, Piercy noted kratom products were not being sold in Royal City prior to the ban. 

“We’re kind of ahead of the game,” he said. “No one’s going to miss it, because it was never there.” 

The ordinance also pointed to House Bill 2291, which was introduced in the 2025 legislative session but died in committee. The bill, if passed, would have made the product unable to be purchased by individuals under the age of 21. Currently, there are no age restrictions on kratom products. It would have also required licensing for retailers and processors, testing and labeling on all products and imposed an 11% sales tax to fund a youth substance prevention account.  

Under the ordinance, violations of the ban will be treated as civil infractions, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses. Businesses found in violation could also face suspension or revocation of their licenses. 

City officials said the goal of the ban is to protect public health and safety, particularly for youth and vulnerable populations, and to prevent potential misuse or dependency associated with the substance. 

On June 3, Ephrata City Council began discussing a potential ban on kratom, but no decision was made on the matter at the meeting. Further discussion is planned for the upcoming June 17 meeting.