The Normal Town Council on Monday banned the sale or distribution of kratom.
The ordinance, which was unanimously approved, will take effect July 15, giving retailers lead-in time. Violators will be subject to a fine of between $100 and $750 per day. The ordinance also allows the city manager to suspend or revoke a violator’s business license.
The measure does not make possession of the substance against the law, a distinction noted by council member Karyn Smith.
“I know the mistakes that were made surrounding marijuana, where it was criminalized and not just that you can't sell it, but you couldn't possess it,” said Smith. “There is no penalty assessed against anyone who holds it or uses it, and I think that is a good distinction to have.”
Mayor Chris Koos added the ordinance is not as strong as the one passed by the City of Bloomington in January. It outlines fines for the sale, possession, distribution or use of the substance, with fees of between $350 and $750.
“We have disturbing stories, and we also have stories of people getting benefit from this,” said Koos. “I think it's the right choice to take a conservative approach to this, and I think that's what this ordinance does.”
Kratom is an herbal substance that can produce effects similar to opioids and stimulants. Kratom sales are banned in Illinois for anyone under 18.
Public opinions vary
Several public commenters spoke for and against the ordinance. Some shared anecdotes of people they knew who grew addicted to the substance. Others were against the ordinance because of the benefit a readily-available pain remedy.
“Kratom helped me get off the prescription pain killers,” said Cindy Charlebois, adding she and her husband both take kratom. “If my husband has an aching back, he takes a dose, and generally in 20 to 50 minutes, it doesn't hurt anymore for several hours.”
Charlebois said after nearly a decade of taking kratom, she's had no liver problems and sleeps better because it treats restless leg syndrome.
Sarah McManus supported the ordinance, saying, kratom “is absolutely addictive.”
McManus also said the kratom sold in stores in Normal are targeting young people. Flavors such as rocket pop, fuji apple, boba berry, green apple and cotton candy are found in convenience stores.
“This is extremely dangerous, and I can't even believe that it's sold over the counter. Yes, it's restricted to people 18 and over. Yes, people can still get it,” she said.
“We shouldn't be getting prescription pain relief, or I should say, substitute for prescription pain relief from the gas station,” said Michael Dion, “This is how addiction happens, and this is how addiction continues.”
Other business
In other action, the council:
— Approved new additions to the Bloomington-Normal Enterprise Zone that provides tax incentives for businesses within the zone to encourage further development. The council approved the 173.6 acres the City of Bloomington also approved last week.
— Authorized, for another year, the town's agreement with the McLean County Regional Planning Commission [MCRPC]. The agreement allows for technical planning services regarding the town comprehensive plan, zoning ordinances and subdivision regulations. The commission also prepares reports on transportation, maintains a website to post data and plans, assists in federal and state grant applications and facilitates implementation of the regional housing recovery plan. The town will reimburse MCRPC $54,000 for services starting July 1 and lasting until the end of the agreement on June 30, 2027.
— Presented Harmon Arts Grant Awards to 31 recipients, totaling about $50,000.
