Idaho Falls City Council Considers Kratom Ban After State Legislature Fails to Pass Any Regulation

Why it matters

Idaho Falls represents a growing national pattern: when state legislatures fail to act, local city councils move to fill the regulatory vacuum — leading to a fragmented patchwork of local ordinances that creates confusion for businesses and consumers.

The big picture

In 2026, Idaho's legislature considered four separate kratom bills — two regulatory and two outright bans — and passed none of them, leaving the state without any kratom rules. Kellogg, Idaho became the first city in the state to ban kratom sales in April 2026. Now Idaho Falls, with a larger population, is weighing the same step. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has recorded 83 kratom-related deaths between 2020 and 2024, providing local officials with a sense of urgency independent of state inaction.

Key findings

• Idaho Falls City Council voted unanimously to table the kratom ban discussion pending input from outside experts, including the Bonneville County Coroner.
• The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare has reported 83 kratom-related deaths in Idaho between 2020 and 2024.
• The 2026 Idaho legislature considered four kratom bills (two regulatory, two banning outright) — none passed.
• Bonneville County Coroner reported six kratom-related deaths in the county in an 18-month period; the youngest victim was 19 years old.
• Kellogg, Idaho became the first Idaho city to ban kratom sales in April 2026, passing a resolution requiring immediate removal of products from store shelves.

What they say

"We've seen an increase of overdoses in the state of Idaho on kratom, and many of which have shown that what was in the system was natural kratom. Whether it's natural kratom or synthetic kratom, it poses a risk to people in the state of Idaho," said Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea during legislative testimony.

Bottom line

**Idaho Falls is the latest U.S. city to consider a local kratom ban after its state legislature failed to act in 2026, reflecting a nationwide trend of local governments stepping in when states deadlock on regulation.**