Mattawa becomes third in Grant Co. to ban kratom
Kratom has now been banned in three Grant County cities with Mattawa being the most recent to pass restrictions at the June 4 Mattawa City Council meeting. The products are sold in various gas stations and vape stores across the country.
NANCE BESTON/COLUMBIA BASIN HERALD
MATTAWA — The Mattawa City Council has approved a full ban on the sale and distribution of kratom and kratom‑derived products, making it the third city in Grant County to enact such restrictions following similar actions in Royal City and Warden. Othello, located in Adams County, has also implemented a similar ban.
The council adopted Ordinance 26‑707 during its June 4 regular meeting.
The measure creates a new chapter of the Mattawa Municipal Code prohibiting any person or business from selling, distributing, or advertising kratom products within city limits. The ordinance takes effect 60 days after publication.
According to the ordinance, kratom is described as a psychoactive substance made from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant containing the active compounds of mitragynine and 7‑hydroxymitragynine with opioid‑like properties.
The document also notes that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved kratom or derivatives for medical use and has recommended scheduling 7‑OH under the Controlled Substances Act.
The ordinance cites concerns about youth access, lack of federal regulation and reports of toxicity, particularly when kratom is combined with other substances.
It states that prohibiting kratom sales will help reduce “the risk of accidental overdose, substance misuse, and long‑term health impacts” in the community.
Grant County Health District leaders have been encouraging cities to consider local bans after the Grant County Board of Health passed a resolution urging municipalities to act, earlier this year.
Health officials have presented to multiple councils outlining risks associated with kratom and the absence of statewide regulation after the 2026 Kratom Consumer Protection Act failed to pass in the Legislature.
“It is encouraging to see Grant County cities taking action and engaging in intentional conversations about kratom,” said Maria Vargas, Healthy Communities & Families Manager for the health district. “Kratom has become highly accessible, particularly to kids who may not understand what they are taking. The awareness our cities are bringing to this issue and the actions they are taking is a great step toward reducing accidental poisoning, overdose and substance misuse in our county.”
Mattawa Mayor Maggie Celaya confirmed the council’s approval.
“This was a recommendation from the Grant County Health District,” Celaya said. “The council approved knowing the importance of being proactive to support the health and safety of the community.”
In previous Columbia Basin Herald reporting, Othello Mayor Ken Johnson said kratom had become “too accessible to underage kids,” and local advocate Amy Dulluge described the ban as a necessary step to “protect families and prevent accidental misuse.”
Under the new chapter of the municipal code no person or business may sell, distribute, or advertise any kratom product within city limits; “kratom product” includes any food, supplement, beverage, powder, capsule, or extract containing kratom, whether natural or synthetic; violations are treated as civil infractions, with escalating penalties for repeat offenses; and retailers may also face business license revocation for noncompliance.
The ordinance emphasizes that kratom is not subject to federal safety checks and that its effects on minors are “largely unknown.”
The ban will take effect in early August, 60 days after passage.
Health district staff are expected to continue outreach to other cities and towns in Grant County as part of their broader substance‑misuse prevention efforts.