Last week, Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee and the Board of Aldermen unanimously approved a measure prohibiting the drug within city limits. Because it was passed unanimously, the measure will go into effect immediately. McGree said after the vote that the Ridgeland Police Department would begin working with businesses in about 10 days to pull the substance from the stores currently selling it.
“It can be something that can be dangerous, particularly for young people not knowing what they’re getting into,” McGee said, noting that those still selling the drug will be issued tickets if it isn’t removed after police serve them an initial notice. “We really needed to get it off the shelves.”
Derived from a tropical tree in southeast Asia, kratom can serve as either a sedative or stimulant based on the dosage. According to data from the Drug Enforcement Agency, it’s sold primarily at convenience stores, vape, and CBD shops. Many experts are warning that kratom is addictive and can be dangerous when made widely available.
“The addiction to kratom is so strong that we are now seeing patients have to go into detox facilities to be safely detoxed,” Dr. Katherine Pannel, medical director of Right Track Medical Group, said. “Because, again, it’s just like an opioid. You’re detoxing from opioids and it’s miserable. We’re seeing an increase in detox facilities for kratom.”
Gluckstadt was one of the first central Mississippi cities to ban the substance in 2022. Since then, more than 36 cities and counties in the state have followed suit, although the sale and distribution of kratom is still legal statewide. After the Ridgeland measure was passed, city attorney Chelsea Brannon said that the neighboring city of Madison would soon implement the same prohibition.
“I do wish that the legislature would step up and just go ahead and do a statewide ban,” Dr. Pannel continued. “But I’m proud of all these cities and counties that are taking it upon themselves to get rid of it and get it off the shelves. They’re seeing the dangers, they’re hearing about the overdoses, and they’re taking action. I love to see it.”
