STARKVILLE – Starting next month, possessing or selling kratom in city limits could mean jail time or a hefty fine after aldermen approved a sweeping ban on the substance during Tuesday’s meeting at City Hall.
The Board of Aldermen voted 5-2 to criminalize both natural and synthetic forms of kratom, a product commonly sold in convenience stores as a pain relief or energy supplement, following a second public hearing and nearly 20 minutes of board discussion. Ward 2 Alderwoman Sandra Sistrunk and Ward 1 Alderwoman Kim Moreland voted against the measure.
Under the ordinance, violations will be treated as misdemeanors, punishable by up to six months in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.
Ahead of the vote, Mayor Lynn Spruill said the board received input from numerous residents on both sides of the issue.
“Obviously, there is a lot of conflicting scientific information out there,” Spruill said. “… It is not a simple decision, it is a complex decision and I think the board has worked hard to work their way through that decision-making process.”
Kratom is derived from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia and is alleged to treat ailments ranging from minor pain to anxiety, depression and drug withdrawal symptoms, though the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved kratom for any medical use.
The Drug Enforcement Administration lists kratom as a chemical of concern, citing potential addictive properties and reported side effects that can include hallucinations, seizures and weight loss.
The Federal Drug Administration has also recommended the DEA classify 7-Hydroxymitragynine, a byproduct of kratom commonly comprising synthetic versions of the product, as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. The FDA’s recommendation would not target natural kratom.
Before the vote, aldermen considered three drafted ordinances: one banning and criminalizing all kratom products, one banning all products without criminal penalties and one banning only synthetic versions containing concentrated 7-OH.
Public input, board debate
Three citizens spoke against banning natural kratom, with two citing personal experience of the product easing chronic pain and improving their health.
“I have had pre-cancer cells since I was 17. I’ve been struggling with this,” resident Sherry Owings told the board. “… When I started taking kratom … all of my cysts were gone. … Kratom did save my life.”
Four others supported a full ban of the products. Bo Stribling said his addiction to kratom pills nearly cost him his family and home after spending $1,000 per month on the drug.
Mike Sullivan, another resident, said he tested what he believed was natural kratom as a possible alternative for a loved one addicted to synthetic versions but quickly developed cravings himself.
Following the hearing, Sistrunk moved to ban only synthetic kratom, aligning with the FDA’s recommendation and a state law passed in 2025 prohibiting sales of high-concentration 7-OH kratom products to people under 21. Moreland seconded the motion.
Vice Mayor Roy A. Perkins, who oversees Ward 6, said he would oppose the motion, citing citizen testimony as being “persuasive.”
“Personally, I find no basis to exclude any form from being banned,” he said. “I think if we really want to … have safe streets (and a) safe community, it’s to ban it all. What is the detriment to our municipality if we ban it all?”
Ward 4 Alderman Mike Brooks agreed, warning a partial ban could quickly lead to future reconsideration of natural kratom products.
Sistrunk said the aldermen “are not chemists” and said much of the testimony was anecdotal.
The motion failed 2-5.
Ward 5 Alderman William Pochop then moved to ban kratom without imposing criminal penalties.
“If you have found that this is something that is good for your health, I don’t want you to have to go to jail for it or be fined for it, but at the end of the day … it’s not something you can get prescribed to you, (and) there’s no FDA use that’s allowed for it,” he said.
His motion died for lack of a second.
Perkins then moved to ban and criminalize all products, with Ward 7 Alderman Henry Vaughn seconding.
Before the vote, Moreland said she worried a full ban would be a step too far.
“The ones that it benefits, who am I to tell them that they can’t have it?” she said. “That’s where I’m at. I’ve dealt with health issues with my mom recently, and … I would have done anything if I thought it was going to relieve her of pain and not cause problems for her. I just don’t know that we’re in a position to deny that for the ones that it’s helped.”
Other business
In other business, the board:
■ announced Saturday as Household Hazardous Waste Collection Day from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Golden Triangle Regional Landfill;
■ awarded The Starkville Dispatch publication of the city’s legal notices; and
■ accepted a $20,000 Mississippi Hills Heritage Area Alliance grant requiring an equal match from the city for revitalization efforts at Brush Arbor Cemetery.
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 47 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
