Notice of meeting was posted on the doors of Town Hall at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, June 23, 2023.
The mayor and town council of the Village of Harrisonburg met in Special Session at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, June 26th, 2023, at the Village of Harrisonburg Town Hall – 108 Sicily Street, Harrisonburg, LA.
Council Members Present: Mayor Michael Tubre, Council members: Judy Cotton and Blake Barbo; Absent: Council Member Greg Terry. There being a quorum present, the mayor called the meeting to order. The following action was taken:
On a motion by Council Member Cotten, seconded by Council Member Barbo, with all in favor, the Council voted to introduce/accept for publication Ordinance 20230626: A Kratom Ban Ordinance and providing for a Notice of Intention to hold a public hearing on the adoption on Monday, July 10, 2023 at 6:00 p.m.
ORDINANCE #20230626 KRATOM BAN
AN ORDINANCE TO BAN THE SALE OF MITRAGYNA SPECIOSA KORTH (KRATOM) IN THE VILLAGE OF HARRISONBURG, STATE OF LOUISIANA.
WHEREAS, Mitragyna Speciosa Korth (Kratom) affects the mu-opioid receptor in the brain – the same receptor that affects the brain when using heroin or other opioids. Too much Kratom, or adulterated products, can lead to respirator depression and has been associated with death. Kratom may cause psychosis and hallucinations. The products may be addictive and can have a synergistic effect when taken with other medications; and
WHEREAS, there are no known dosage recommendations for using kratom or its related products. Kratom should not be taken without consulting a physician and should not be taken with anti-depressant medications; and
WHEREAS, Kratom is a botanical that qualifies as a dietary ingredient under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act. Manufacturing facilities are not federally regulated, and substantial adulteration of the product has been known to occur. This adulteration can be harmful. The Federal Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has listed kratom as a “Drug of Concern.”
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED by the Village of Harrisonburg, State of Louisiana, pursuant to its municipal powers, declares and determines that all reasonable steps should and must be taken to prohibit the sale of Mitragyna Speciosa Korth (Kratom) in the Village of Harrisonburg, State of Louisiana.
BE IT FURTHER ORDAINED, it shall be illegal for any person to sell Mitragyna Speciosa Korth (Kratom) in the Village of Harrisonburg, State of Louisiana. Whoever violates the provision of this section shall be fined not more than five hundred dollars ($500.00) or imprisoned for not more than six (6) months or both. Whoever violates the provision of this section for a second offense shall be fined one thousand dollars ($1000.00) or imprisoned for not more than six (6) months, or both. Whoever violates the provision of this section for a third or subsequent offense shall be fined one thousand five hundred dollars ($1500.00) or imprisoned for not more than six (6) months, or both. Further, if the offender is a vendor, seller or retailer licensed to do business in the Village of Harrisonburg, it shall forfeit and/or have all business licenses revoked by the Village of Harrisonburg, State of Louisiana in addition to the above stated penalties.
Said Ordinance having been introduced on the 26th day of June 2023, by notice of Public Hearing having been published on the 28th day of June 2023 and posted on the 7th day of July 2023, said Public Hearing having been held on July 10, 2023, title having been read and Ordinance considered, was offered for final adoption by _________________, with a second by ________________ and unanimously passed.
There being no further business to come before the Council, a motion was made by Council Member Barbo, seconded by Council Member Cotten, with all in favor, the Council adjourned the meeting.
Mayor Michael Tubre
Patricia Hefner, Town Clerk
