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Broward County Commission Holds Public Hearing On Kratom Ban

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BROWARD (CBSMiami) – The Broward County Commission is taking up the issue of a possible ban on the herbal drug kratom at a 2 p.m. public hearing on Monday.

Found in head shops and at kava bars, the designer drug comes from a tree in Southeast Asia and produces both a stimulant and sedative effect. Some say it can become addictive as heroin.

The tragic suicide of Ian Mautner – who was addicted to kratom – moved Broward Commissioner Kristin Jacobs to take action against the drug.

Now Jacobs and Commissioner Dale V.C. Holness are sponsors of the ordinance to ban the addictive substance.

At the October 7th commission meeting, the Board of County Commissioners directed the Office of the County Attorney to draft an amendment to the code to prohibit the sale, giving away, offer, advertisement for sale or public display for sale of kratom.

At the direction of the board, county staff will provide as additional information regarding kratom at the hearing.

Proponents for both sides of the issue are expected to be at the hearing to speak for and against the ban.

According to the FDA, consumption of kratom can lead to a number of health problems.

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