Oak Lawn bans kratom and THC products, though won't enforce for now
The prohibition of kratom and THC products, including Delta-9, was added to the tobacco retail regulation ordinance. But Vorderer said he learned from attorneys after the vote the ordinance may need to be reworked.
'They explained that that product is not really a tobacco product,' Vorderer said Wednesday. 'Thus, I instructed our staff not to enforce the kratom part, and we'll go back and modify or look at that.'
The board tabled the measure after a June 24 meeting attendee attested to the benefits of kratom, saying he would do more research on the product.
Kratom is an herbal substance from Southeast Asia commonly used for pain relief, mood enhancement and withdrawal symptoms. Though it is not regulated by the United State Food and Drug Administration, the FDA estimates about 2 million Americans used kratom in 2021.
The ordinance amendment passed Tuesday stated the village was experiencing 'a proliferation of retail stores selling products containing potentially intoxicating ingredients,' including kratom and THC.
'These unregulated products result in certain adverse effects, including hallucination, vomiting, tremors, anxiety, dizziness, confusion and loss of consciousness, as well as negative impacts on certain brain functions related to memory, learning, decision making and emotions,' the ordinance states.
Nearby communities have similarly worked to ban the sale of kratom and other drug products. In Tinley Park, the sale, distribution and use of kratom were made illegal last year, though businesses primarily profiting from kratom sales were given a 12-month amnesty period.
The Orland Park Village Board passed a similar ordinance last May, banning kratom, tianeptine, Delta-8, and other novel synthetic and psychoactive drug products.
Vorderer said he has worked to regulate the sales of drug products in Oak Lawn, saying 'we don't want to be in the drug dispensing business.' He said the Village Board previously voted not to allow marijuana dispensaries and capped the number of tobacco retailers at 12.
Vorderer acknowledged he still has a lot to learn about products like kratom and their purported medical benefits and continues to discuss the affects of regulation with business owners. While for now the ban will not be enforced, village staff members will advise businesses if that changes, he said.
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