Policy · 2026-07-07
Dare County Delays Kratom Ordinance Vote to Add Criminal Enforcement
Source: Outer Banks Voice
Why it matters
County-level kratom regulations are accelerating across the U.S., and Dare County's approach — targeting synthetic and enhanced products while permitting natural leaf — mirrors the federal threshold distinction being debated in Washington. A vote set for Aug. 3 could establish one of North Carolina's first local kratom sale restrictions backed by criminal penalties.
The big picture
The DEA's July 1 notice of intent to schedule 7-OH above a specified threshold has prompted local governments to act in parallel with federal regulators. Dare County's ordinance draft specifically bans enhanced or synthetic kratom products while allowing natural-leaf kratom for adults — reflecting the same leaf-vs.-concentrate distinction at the center of the federal rulemaking. North Carolina's HB 563, which would schedule kratom statewide, is also moving through the legislature.
Key findings
- Dare County Commissioners postponed their July 7 vote until Aug. 3 specifically to add misdemeanor criminal penalties for retailers selling prohibited products
- The original draft would have banned synthetic or enhanced kratom products and any kratom sales to minors countywide
- Chief Deputy Sheriff Jeff Deringer told commissioners the ordinance needed criminal classification for law enforcement to actually enforce it
- Commissioners requested added language requiring lab testing and traceable batch numbers on all permitted kratom products
- Only one public speaker appeared — a kratom retailer buyer who distinguished natural leaf kratom from 7-OH and supported the hybrid regulation framework
What they say
"It's really saddening to see Kratom and 7-OH grouped together. I'm here to advocate for the regulation of Kratom. I think the age restriction is important." — Catie Hayes, buyer for Island Dyes, speaking at the July 7 public hearing
Bottom line
Dare County's Aug. 3 vote could produce one of the first local kratom ordinances in North Carolina with real criminal enforcement — and its leaf-vs.-synthetic framework mirrors exactly how federal regulators are drawing the same line.