Seminole FL City Council Ordinance Adds Kratom to Regulated Substances

On March 13, 2018, the Seminole City Council unanimously voted in favor of adding the natural botanicals kratom and kava, to the proposed ordinance that would ban synthetic drugs. A second reading of the bill will be held at a future council meeting.

Image source: City of Seminole

This proposed ordinance follows the at council’s annual retreat held on January, where recorded minutes show the council discussed regulation of kratom. While researching the proposed ordinance prior to drafting it, City Attorney Jay Daigneault determined a more comprehensive ordinance adding synthetic cannabinoid, contraband bath salts, and two natural botanicals (kratom and kava) to the list of substances to be banned was preferable.

During the March 13 meeting, Daigneault said there is no research indicating “what the long-term and short-term effects (of kratom and kava) are.” and “we don’t know what they’re going to do”. He also said that though he can’t say banning these substances “is a widespread trend in municipal government,” one Florida municipality has – the county of Sarasota.

Councilor Chris Burke, of the Largo Police Department, requested that Daigneault specifically add spice (a mix of herbs and synthetic materials) to the bill, concluding it wouldn’t fall under the ordinance the way it is currently defined. He added that spice “causes the most danger for law enforcement.” Further stating that spice causes “excited delerium” and a “euphoric high” and ” when dealing with someone that’s on spice, it’s a fight that takes many officers to subdue one person”

Daigneault said he would add spice to the bill ahead of its second reading and vote by the council.