MARION – The Marion City Council unanimously approved an ordinance banning the possession, sale and delivery of Kratom and its derivatives at Monday night’s meeting.
Mayor Mike Absher told the council he had never heard of Kratom or knew it existed until 6 or 8 weeks ago.
During discussion, Emily Pieroni of Marion spoke about the death of her husband who took Kratom. She said her husband was offered the substance in the form of an energy shot for free from a gas station owner in Marion saying it was like a 5 Hour Energy shot, but safer and more natural.
After hearing about the man’s death, Kratom was brought to the mayor’s attention even though he didn’t know it was this substance that was involved.
He says a first responder made him aware of how dangerous Kratom was and how prevalent it is. The first responder called it “gas station heroin.”
Pieroni has put a petition on change.org to accomplish more broadly what the council approved Monday night.
Anyone or any entity found violating this ordinance shall be subject to a fine not exceeding $750 for each offense. Each day that a violation continues shall constitute a separate and distinct offense.
Establishments currently selling Kratom will get a letter outlining the specifics of the ban and a timeline for the removal of the substance from their shelves. Failure to comply with these regulations will again result in fines and the seizure of products.
More info: Kratom Drug Facts
