Spokane Valley has banned the sale, distribution, and advertisement of kratom products within city limits. The ban took effect March 16, 2026, following a 6-1 vote by the City Council on March 3, 2026, to approve Ordinance 26-003.
Violations carry a class 1 civil infraction fine of $250. Retailers found guilty of violating Spokane Valley Municipal Code 7. 55. 030 may also face revocation or denial of their business license. City staff and law enforcement will conduct a 30-day education and outreach period with retailers before enforcement begins.
"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," said Spokane Valley Police Chief Dave Ellis. "Their decisive action demonstrates our shared commitment to protecting our community."
Kratom is a plant from Southeast Asia containing two psychoactive alkaloids — mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. At low doses it acts as a mild stimulant; at high doses it produces opiate-like effects including psychosis, hallucinations, and lethargy. The substance is addictive, currently unregulated, and had been sold at convenience stores throughout the city with no age restrictions.
The Spokane Valley Police Department and city staff presented information on kratom at three City Council meetings — December 23, 2025, February 10, 2026, and March 3, 2026 — before the council took action.