BROWARD COUNTY, FL - Kratom is an herbal drug that can act as a stimulant and produce hallucinogenic effects at various doses and soon it may be banned in Broward County.

At the request of Broward County Commissioner Kristin Jacobs, Commissioners directed the County Attorney to draft an amended ordinance that would prohibit the sales, giving away, offer, advertisement for sale or public display for sale of Kratom.  Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness co-sponsored the agenda request.

“It is a drug that mimics heroin.  It is highly addictive, and kids all over South Florida and around the country are becoming addicted to it,” said Commissioner Jacobs. “I looked to see how many shops in Broward County are carrying Kratom and I stopped scrolling over when the fifth computer screen went by.  It is very available.”

In Florida, Sarasota County is the only county to ban Kratom. Sarasota stores caught selling the drug face a $250 fine per package and if a shop has multiple violations their business certificate could be revoked.

In 2012, Broward Commissioners banned the sales of synthetic cannabinoid herbal incense and contraband bath salts. 

According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) several cases of psychosis resulting from use of Kratom have been reported, where individuals exhibited psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations, delusion, and confusion. Withdrawal effects include symptoms of hostility, aggression, mood swings, runny nose, achy muscles and bones, and jerky movement of the limbs. Use of Kratom has been banned by the U.S. Army and Navy.  The DEA has placed it on the drug watch list.