Local doctor advocates for ban on kratom

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- The St. Joseph City Council read bill #185-26, which is an ordinance that would make it unlawful to possess or distribute kratom, hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and tianeptine.

Kratom is a tropical tree that has seen a significant increase in the United States. If consumed, it can have stimulant and sedative effects, while 7-OH is an ingredient of kratom.

Dr. Robert Corder, a medical doctor at the Samaritan Counseling Center, said kratom is dangerous because of how easily residents can obtain it.

"What I don't like about kratom is that it's so readily accessible to the general public," said Corder. "I see people every week that are suffering from this addiction."

Corder has been reaching out to officials for several years, looking to get Kratom and hydroxymitragynine banned.

"I actually went to the city manager six months ago trying to get it(hydroxymitragnine) banned in St. Joe," said Corder. "I tried to get kratom banned five years ago. It was banned in several states and still is."

While the bill only had its first reading earlier this week, the St. Joseph City Council has not announced when it will put the bill on the agenda for a vote.