ORDINANCE NO. 251028
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Sponsor: Mayor Quinton Lucas and Councilmembers Nathan Willett and Johnathan Duncan
Amending Chapter 50, Code of Ordinances, by enacting a new section 50-206 and 50-207 for the purpose of prohibiting the sale of certain psychoactive substances and dangerous chemical inhalants within the City.
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WHEREAS, a number of vape shops, convenience stores, gas stations, and smoke shops within Kansas City sell products such as Kratom, 7-OH, Delta-8 and Delta-9 THC edibles and drinks, hemp-derived cannabinoids, nitrous oxide, K2, bath salts, amanita mushroom products, tianeptine, and other chemical analogues designed to produce psychoactive or intoxicating effects; and
WHEREAS, these products are currently sold with little oversight, regulation, and enforcement and pose health and public safety concerns; and
WHEREAS, residents and community members have reported that unregulated psychoactive substances have contributed to addiction, dependence, and significant health harms among their loved ones;
WHEREAS, the Kansas City Health Department ("KCHD") has reported that the Overdose Fatality Review Board recently examined a case involving a polysubstance overdose in which Kratom was detected on the autopsy toxicology screen, and the Board is continuing to monitor and evaluate future cases involving these substances; and
WHEREAS, KCHD advises that there are no FDA-approved medical uses for Kratom or its alkaloids, that Kratom is not legally marketed in the United States as a drug product, dietary supplement or food additive, and that federal health agencies warn against its use; and
WHEREAS, on November 6, 2025, the City passed Committee Substitute for Resolution 250942, which directed the City Manager to evaluate kratom regulations in other Missouri municipalities and make recommendations within thirty (30) days for any necessary code amendments to regulate kratom in the City; and
WHEREAS, KCHD not...
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