‘A real concern for our youth’

Othello considers banning kratom

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. The proposal, introduced during the April 13 council meeting, would prohibit the sale, advertisement and distribution of any kratom or kratom derived product within city limits. Police Chief Aaron Garza told council members the products are already being sold locally in gummies, shots and teas, with no age restrictions. “There’s no regulation on it. There’s no restrictions on how old you have to be to buy it, or how much you can buy,” Garza said. “That’s a real concern for our youth.”