Hunter
10/17/24
Iowa City could soon ban sales of kratom, while further restricting tobacco sales.
The City Council this week considered a new ordinance that would ban the sales of kratom within the city limits. The second consideration passed by a 4-3 margin. In opposing the ban, councilor Laura Bergus said the council isn’t an expert on the subject, and the science isn’t clear. Shawn Harmsen, who voted for the ban, said the Drug Enforcement Administration designating kratom as a “drug of concern” was the tipping point for him.
Regarding tobacco sales, applicants for new licenses must be at least 500 feet away from schools, universities, or other established tobacco shops. The original proposed ordinance said those grandfathered in can have their license forfeited if their permit is expired for 60 days or more, revoked by the city for a violation, if their business hasn’t sold tobacco products for 90 days or more, or if the business shifts their establishment to a different use.
At the previous council meeting, it was voted on to extend the 90 day period to one year, but with the full council in attendance Tuesday, it went back to the original 90 days.
The council will revisit the tobacco ordinance at its November 4th meeting. The kratom ban will be up for its third and final passage the same day.