Castle Rock advances proposed ban on kratom retail sales
The council voted 6-1 on first reading and is scheduled to hold a public hearing and consider the measure again Oct. 6.
Castle Rock Town Council voted 6-1 on Sept. 15 to advance an ordinance that would prohibit retail sales in town of kratom products intended for human consumption, regardless of the buyer’s age. The council is scheduled to hold a public hearing and consider the measure on second reading Oct. 6, according to the town’s agenda. The council minutes record the first-reading vote.
The proposal would bar anyone from selling or offering to sell covered products at retail in Castle Rock, replacing the town’s existing restriction on sales to minors. It does not expressly prohibit possessing or using kratom, the proposed ordinance says.
A town attorney’s agenda memorandum says Councilmember Kevin Brooks requested the prohibition and cites warnings from medical authorities and federal agencies about health and safety risks, including tolerance, physical dependence and addiction.
Written comments submitted on the proposal opposed a blanket ban. In comments included with the council packet, commenters said they used kratom for pain or to reduce use of other substances and urged the town to regulate products rather than prohibit retail sales.