Lafayette County reminds public kratom ban has been in effect since 2021

Lafayette County officials are reminding residents that the use, purchase, possession, distribution, sale and offering for sale of kratom and other synthetic opioid products have been illegal countywide since January 2021. Lafayette County Metro Narcotics is conducting an active investigation related to the matter.

The Lafayette County Board of Supervisors unanimously adopted the ordinance Jan. 4, 2021, at the request of Sheriff Joey East. The ordinance took effect immediately under the authority of Mississippi Code Annotated §§ 19-3-40 and 19-3-41, for the immediate and temporary preservation of public peace, health and safety.

The county ban mirrors an ordinance adopted by the City of Oxford in August 2019. As a result, the sale and possession of kratom have been prohibited both within Oxford city limits and throughout unincorporated Lafayette County for several years.

The ordinance prohibits using, possessing, purchasing, distributing, manufacturing, selling or offering for sale kratom, also known as Mitragyna speciosa, in any form. Covered products include extracts, capsules, tablets, powders, liquids and other preparations, as well as products marketed under names including Kratom, Krathom, Kakuam, Ketum, Kratum, Thang, Biak-Biak, Super K, K-Chill, Herbal Speedball, VivaZen and K-Shot.

Products found in a person's possession are subject to confiscation by law enforcement. The ordinance does not apply to substances used under the direction or prescription of a licensed physician or dentist.

Officials said no further details about the active investigation are being released at this time. Media members with questions were directed to Lafayette County Metro Narcotics or the University of Mississippi.

Source: Lafayette County Sheriff's Office.