Taylorville bans sale of natural and synthetic kratom

TAYLORVILLE, Ill. (WAND) — You may have heard of kratom, a substance marketed for pain relief and often found at gas stations and convenience stores.

Over the last year, cities across central Illinois have banned the product. Now, Taylorville joins the list.

While traditional kratom is not banned under federal law, the FDA warns consumers about potential health risks. Taylorville is taking action, prohibiting the sale of both natural and synthetic kratom within city limits.

"These gas stations and convenience stores are selling this synthetic kratom to our kids without anybody really knowing what is all involved in it," said Mayor Bruce Barry.

Chief Dwyane Wheeler pushed for the ordinance after seeing the effects of kratom.

"I was able to talk to people [who have] been on it. And they told me what it's like. It's just like heroin; you get on, you can't get off," Wheeler said.

The chief is concerned kids are getting their hands on the substance.

"As a parent, you don't want your child to be addicted to anything like that. And it's just, I've never seen nothing like it," Wheeler said.

According to the FDA, kratom could cause liver damage, seizures and substance use disorder. In some rare cases, it can also lead to death.

The city's ordinance will penalize stores and vape shops that sell kratom.

"Your first offense is a fine. Your second offense is you are closed down for 90 days at these vape shops. And your third offense, they shut you down completely," Wheeler said.

Some people argue kratom helps with pain relief and anxiety, but officials hope the ban protects residents from risks they've seen firsthand.

Officials say the ban is now in effect, and merchants are being notified.