St. Joseph City Council to Consider Ban on Kratom, 7-OH and Tianeptine

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. — The St. Joseph City Council is expected to consider a proposal Monday, Aug. 3, that would make it illegal to possess or distribute kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and tianeptine within St. Joseph city limits.

The ordinance is scheduled for discussion during the council's upcoming meeting and comes after growing concerns from city officials and local medical professionals over the availability and potential health risks associated with the substances.

City Officials Cite Safety Concerns

City Manager Mike Schumacher said the proposed ordinance is aimed at protecting residents from products that are often sold with little information about their contents or potential dangers.

"We know there is a substance that you can buy without any idea what is in it," Schumacher said.

"We don't feel like that is right."

Schumacher also raised concerns about how easily the products can be purchased throughout the city.

According to Schumacher, products containing these substances are commonly displayed near checkout counters in some convenience stores and gas stations, making them readily accessible to consumers.

He said the city believes stronger regulation is needed and does not believe the products should continue to be sold locally.

Local Physician Raises Alarm

The proposal follows years of advocacy from Dr. Robert Corder of the Samaritan Counseling Center, who has repeatedly urged local officials to take action.

Corder has said he regularly treats patients struggling with kratom addiction and believes the substance's widespread availability contributes to the problem.

He has been encouraging city leaders for several years to prohibit both kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine due to concerns about addiction and public health.

Health Officials Warn of Serious Risks

Earlier this year, local health officials joined Corder in warning about the potential dangers associated with kratom and related substances. They said the drugs can be highly addictive and may produce symptoms that complicate diagnosis and treatment.

The Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services has also warned that kratom, 7-OH and tianeptine may lead to serious health consequences, including addiction, poisoning and, in some cases, death.

Council Vote Expected Monday

The St. Joseph City Council is expected to discuss the ordinance during its meeting on Monday, Aug. 3. If approved, the measure would prohibit the possession and distribution of the three substances within city limits.

Source: This story is based on reporting by KQ2 News, with additional formatting and context provided by St. Joseph Community Alert.