Ventura City Council Votes 7-0 to Ban Kratom and Nitrous Oxide Sales; Second Vote Needed

Why it matters

Ventura is the latest California city to take local action on kratom as the state grapples with how to address unregulated psychoactive products. The unanimous vote reflects growing consensus among municipal officials that these substances pose unacceptable public health risks.

The big picture

California has already taken major action at the state level, with the CDPH seizing over $5 million in kratom products and suing kratom manufacturers. Now, individual municipalities are following suit. The Ventura vote mirrors similar bans in other cities across the U.S., where local governments have moved ahead of state or federal regulators. The ban requires a second vote before taking effect.

Key findings

• The Ventura City Council voted 7-0 on May 12, 2026 to ban sales of both kratom and nitrous oxide
• The two ordinances were driven by concerns about rampant availability and health risks of both substances
• A second council vote is required before the ordinances take legal effect
• The ban comes amid ongoing wrongful death litigation linked to kratom in Ventura County
• California has been one of the most aggressive states in restricting kratom at both state and local levels

What they say

According to the Ventura County Star, the council's decisions were driven by 'concerns about the rampant availability and risks of the substances,' with no council members voting against the bans.

Bottom line

Ventura's unanimous 7-0 vote to ban kratom and nitrous oxide reflects California's accelerating municipal-level crackdown — even as a second vote is still required for the ordinances to take effect.