Northwest Washington municipalities consider divergent kratom and 7-OH sales policies

Why it matters

The report shows how local governments are responding while state legislation remains unsettled. The proposals would affect retail sale and distribution in particular jurisdictions, with different approaches to enforcement and regulation.

The big picture

Policy treatment of kratom and 7-OH varies across jurisdictions. The report says DEA recently scheduled three related compounds on a temporary basis, while not scheduling kratom or 7-OH as a whole, leaving local officials to consider their own measures.

Key findings

• Bellingham City Council voted unanimously on Sept. 14 to ban sale of kratom and 7-OH products, pending a final reading on Sept. 28
• The proposed Bellingham ordinance would make preparing, selling, or distributing the products a gross misdemeanor, while possession and consumption would remain legal
• Whatcom County Council discussed regulation rather than a complete ban and expected to revisit a draft policy at a later meeting
• Lynden's public safety committee discussed a potential sales ban, with a council vote possible in coming meetings
• The report says Mount Vernon had recently passed a similar ordinance

What they say

Whatcom County Council member Jon Scanlon said he preferred regulation to a criminalizing ban so as not to fill the jail with shop clerks.

Bottom line

**Northwest Washington is developing a patchwork of local sales policies while broader state action remains unresolved.**