ARLINGTON The Arlington City Council voted on Monday to outlaw the sale, promotion, and distribution of kratom within municipal boundaries. The legislation does not prohibit individuals from possessing the substance.
City officials deliberated on the measure during an Oct. 12 special gathering. Council member Michele Blythe expressed apprehension regarding rising poison control center notifications and treatment facility admissions linked to the plant.
Blythe stated that society is only beginning to witness the extent of dependency associated with its use. She noted that while the product is frequently promoted as a stimulant to enhance energy, it is in reality a habit-forming narcotic.
Arlington becomes the inaugural municipality in Snohomish County to prohibit the substance. Other Washington jurisdictions that have enacted similar prohibitions include Spokane, Spokane Valley, Bellingham, Cle Elum, Othello, and Mount Vernon.
Kratom originates from a tropical tree found in Southeast Asia, where residents have historically ingested the foliage by smoking the crushed leaves, steeping them in a beverage, or swallowing them in pill form. Federal authorities report that misuse of the substance has surged significantly within the United States in recent years.
Jaime Robb, a Snohomish County specialist in healthy communities who monitors tobacco, cannabis, and kratom, indicated that there is a rising trend in adverse outcomes associated with the plant and its byproducts. Robb noted that the substances carry inherent dangers, including dependency, overdose, and withdrawal.
Washington state currently enforces no regulations regarding the plant, meaning there are no established age restrictions, labeling requirements, or limits on concentration. During the 2026 legislative session, three measures were proposed to establish oversight, including a minimum age of 21, distribution taxes, and licensing fees, though none were enacted into law.
Federal authorities are currently engaged in the process of placing the plant's compounds into Schedule I, categorizing them alongside heroin, LSD, and methamphetamine.
The foliage contains two primary psychoactive agents: mitragynine and 7-hydroxymytragynine (7-OH). In small amounts these compounds function as stimulants, while larger quantities induce sedation. Federal authorities have documented cases of psychosis linked to usage, including hallucinations, delusions, and confusion.
Robb stated that the danger arises when these substances are synthetically concentrated to become highly potent. She explained that the substance acts more like an opioid because it binds to specific receptors in the brain.
Robb confirmed that kratom attaches to the same receptors targeted by morphine and fentanyl.
Robb identified 7-OH as the compound of primary concern because it is frequently synthesized in high concentrations, though she noted that mitragynine can also be synthesized.
Robb stated that many products are labeled as 7-OH, meaning consumers may be unaware that the compound is derived from kratom. She added that some products might be marketed as MGM-15 or MGM-16, which are both synthetic derivatives of 7-OH.
Council member Yvonne Gallardo-Van Ornam acknowledged correspondence from residents regarding the potential ban during the special meeting last week. She stated that she read every message received and appreciated the comments, adding that she understands the struggle of living with chronic pain and seeking effective relief.
During Monday's meeting, council member Rob Toyer observed that a significant number of the messages received originated from residents living outside the state.
A local health official expressed ongoing worry regarding consumers who take small amounts of kratom to alleviate pain or boost energy. She warned that users might develop a tolerance, requiring increased quantities to achieve the same results, which can lead to addiction and withdrawal. Common withdrawal effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, while the substance itself may cause respiratory difficulties. The official noted that because kratom acts as an opioid, naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, can reverse an overdose. Naloxone is a nasal spray designed to rapidly counteract opioid effects.
During a special session, Arlington City Council member Nathan Senff voiced concerns about the lack of a minimum age requirement for purchasing kratom products. He pointed out that children as young as 10 or 14 could easily buy the product at gas stations, raising public safety issues. While many kratom packages display a "21+" recommendation, there is no state law mandating this label. The health official added that because consumers may not fully understand the risks, retailers sometimes place these items near candy or other youth-oriented goods. Some products resemble energy drinks, making their packaging particularly attractive to younger customers.
City Administrator Paul Ellis stated during the Monday meeting that the new Arlington ordinance will become active 30 days after council approval, setting the effective date for November 18. Ellis explained that the city plans to send written notifications to all local retailers once the measure is passed. Stores currently carrying kratom will be officially notified, while those not selling the product can ignore the correspondence.