A variety of kratom and 7-OH products — including capsules, cartridges and wellness shots — are on display at a smoke shop in Buffalo, N.Y. States have led the way in regulating kratom, and now federal officials want to ban 7-OH, a powerful compound found in some kratom products. (Credit: Amanda Hernández/Stateline)
Doylestown Borough Council unanimously authorized last week the advertising of a new ordinance that would restrict the sale of kratom and hemp-derived cannabinoid products within the borough.
The measure, recommended by council’s Public Safety Committee, would prohibit the sale of kratom and hemp-derived cannabinoid products to anyone under the age of 21 and ban such sales within 1,000 feet of schools and playgrounds.
During her mayor’s report, Mayor Noni West thanked the Public Safety Committee, Solicitor Andrew Griffin, Borough Manager John Davis and Director of Planning and Zoning Karyn Hyland “for their thoughtful work on tonight’s consideration of an ordinance restricting the sale of kratom and hemp-derived cannabinoid products.”
“These products present real risk of dependence and addiction, especially among our youth,” West said. “Thank you for your diligence, your careful review, and for listening to the voices of our residents as you address this important public issue.”
Councilman Robert Kinney echoed the mayor’s remarks.
“I just want to echo the mayor’s comments from earlier about the great work that staff did and our solicitor did putting this language together,” Kinney said. “You know, this is really an acutely important issue for this community and other communities. And I think that the work they’ve done here is really commendable. So, thank you.”
Councilwoman Jennifer Jarrett noted the issue was first raised by a member of the public.
“We had a member of the public come to a zoning and hearing committee meeting and bring this to our attention,” Jarrett said. “Luckily, we happened to have the solicitor present at that meeting by happenstance. This person had been in recovery and was expressing some real concerns over how dangerous and unregulated this substance is. And honestly, I can shamefully say I think none of us knew about it. So we’re really grateful that someone from the public came in and brought it to us.”
Under the ordinance language, a “dealer” would be prohibited from offering, selling or distributing kratom or hemp-derived cannabinoid products within 1,000 feet of any school or playground, with the separation distance measured from property line to property line. The measure also requires dealers to verify age through government-issued photo identification before any transaction and makes it unlawful to provide such products to anyone under 21
The ordinance broadly defines hemp-derived cannabinoids to include extracts or stimulants chemically derived from naturally occurring cannabinoids found in hemp or cannabis plants, including Delta-8 THC and other related compounds
During public comment, one resident asked whether the ordinance was specific to Delta-8 or applied more broadly to hemp products.
“There are other extracts and stimulants listed as examples,” Griffin responded. “So, it is expanded beyond that.”
Violations would constitute a summary offense punishable by a fine of up to $300 plus costs, and in default of payment, up to 90 days’ imprisonment, with each day constituting a separate offense.
Enforcement authority would rest with the Central Bucks Regional Police Department and the borough’s code enforcement officer
Following discussion, council voted unanimously to authorize advertising of the ordinance, the next step before formal adoption at a future meeting.
