Yolo County is stepping into the spotlight regarding kratom, a psychoactive herb that, while legal to use, has quickly gained a dangerous reputation. Spotted linking to seven tragic deaths since 2017, this herb continues to be sold in local smoke shops, despite its illegal selling status in California. The county’s public health officer, Dr. Aimee Sisson, is waving a red flag and calling for tougher regulations to keep this largely unregulated product off shelves—and out of the hands of unsuspecting users.
The irony here is thick: while officials are working to curb sales, consumers can still easily find kratom online, making it seemingly impossible to completely sidestep this herbal rollercoaster. After a recent presentation on its dangers, the board expressed frustration and urged for an amendment to the county’s tobacco ordinance that would incorporate kratom into its regulations. It seems kratom is creating quite a stir in Yolo County, leaving many to wonder: Just how far should we go to regulate something that’s still so widely accessible?
It’s a nuanced discussion with real health implications at play. As local leaders explore their next steps, one can’t help but chuckle at the thought of how a simple herb can spark such complex issues—perhaps it’s time for communities to take heed or buy stock in extra-strength herbicide!
About the Author
Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
