Bellingham Board of Health Hears Kratom Advocates, Takes No Regulatory Action

BELLINGHAM — February 18, 2025 — Bellingham Board of Health hears kratom advocates push for local regulation over ban. The board held a formal informational hearing February 18, with presenters from a kratom consumer protection group urging a local ordinance modeled on the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which they said has passed in 13 states. John, a Marine Corps veteran and Virginia recovery center operator, cited a small informal study in which 29 out of 30 Richmond opioid users detoxed successfully using kratom, calling it "the best harm reduction tool since sliced bread." Presenters drew a sharp distinction between naturally derived kratom and a semi-synthetic extract called 7-hydroxymitragynine, warning that the latter — with a binding affinity described as 14 to 22 times greater than morphine — is already being sold in at least one Bellingham retail store. Chair Ben Cavallo said he had read all materials submitted in advance but had not reached a decision, noting that waiting for state action remained a viable third option alongside regulation or a ban.