Irvine bans synthetic kratom, limits natural kratom sales to adults 21 and up

The Irvine City Council unanimously gave final approval Oct. 27 to an ordinance banning synthetic kratom and restricting natural kratom purchases to adults 21 and older, according to Voice of OC. The measure also limits the potency of kratom sold or distributed in the city.

The ordinance adds Irvine to about a dozen Orange County cities that have adopted restrictions on kratom or 7-OH, Voice of OC reported. Unlike nearby cities with outright bans, Irvine will allow natural kratom sales subject to age and potency limits.

According to Voice of OC, the ordinance bars the sale or distribution of kratom with a 7-hydroxymitragynine concentration above 2%. The compound is also known as 7-OH, and the ordinance requires age verification for every kratom sale.

Violations could be prosecuted as misdemeanors, with fines of up to $1,000, jail terms of up to six months or both, the publication reported. Businesses could also lose their licenses.

The council first approved the measure Oct. 13 on a 5-2 vote. Councilmembers Mike Carroll and James Mai opposed that initial approval before the council unanimously approved the ordinance Oct. 27.

Councilmember Melinda Liu had sought a similar ban the previous year but did not secure enough council support, according to Voice of OC. During the Oct. 13 discussion, Liu urged the council to act before harm occurred.

Mai questioned whether shops in Irvine sold the products and argued that a local ban would duplicate anticipated federal action, the publication reported. Voice of OC also reported that synthetically amplified 7-OH can have opioid-like effects.

Newport Beach, Dana Point, Tustin and Stanton have banned kratom sales and distribution altogether, according to Voice of OC. Irvine's ordinance instead distinguishes between prohibited synthetic products and natural kratom that meets its sales requirements.