SPOKANE VALLEY, Wash. — You can no longer buy, sell or advertise any kratom product in Spokane Valley.
The city of Spokane Valley officially banned the sale of kratom earlier this month, joining the city of Spokane in prohibiting the addictive substance.
The Spokane Valley City Council voted 6-1 on March 3, 2026, to approve Ordinance 26-003, which prohibits the sale, distribution and advertisement of any kratom product within city limits. The ban took effect March 16, 2026.
Kratom is a plant from Southeast Asia that contains two primary psychoactive alkaloids that have dose-dependent effects. At low doses, kratom acts as a mild stimulant, but at high doses it acts like an opiate and can cause psychosis, hallucinations and lethargy.
The substance is known for being highly addictive and currently has no federal regulations. It remains readily available to all ages at convenience stores throughout many communities.
“I fully support the City Council’s decision to prohibit kratom in Spokane Valley,” said Spokane Valley Police Chief Dave Ellis. “This ordinance better equips our officers to help reduce the risks posed by an unregulated substance that has increasingly impacted community safety and public health.”
City staff and law enforcement will conduct a 30-day education and outreach period with retailers before beginning enforcement of the new ordinance.
Violations of the kratom ban will result in a $250 fine.
© 2026 KAYU FOX 28. All rights reserved. Content may not be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted without written permission.
