Peoria-area towns consider banning kratom amid overdose concerns

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Communities across Peoria and Tazewell counties are rapidly moving to restrict or ban the sale of kratom, a plant-based supplement often marketed like candy or energy drinks but linked to overdose deaths. Meanwhile, the closure of New Hope Apartments in Peoria has left some longtime residents without housing and sparked warnings about a potential major reduction in permanent affordable housing options in the area.

Why it matters

The push to ban kratom on the local level reflects growing concerns from health officials about the unregulated sale of products containing the substance, which they say has been tied to overdose deaths. The shutdown of New Hope Apartments also highlights the fragility of the affordable housing landscape in Peoria, with advocates warning that more shelter closures could be on the horizon.

The details

In Peoria Heights, officials have already outlawed the sale of kratom, and other Peoria County towns, including potentially the City of Peoria, are considering similar ordinances and pushing for tighter state regulations. The closure of New Hope Apartments, which was backed by Phoenix Community Development Services and city-backed firewatch efforts, has left some longtime residents without housing, raising alarms about more local shelter shutdowns tied to federal funding changes.

• Peoria Heights has already outlawed the sale of kratom.
• The plea deal for the 2024 South Peoria shooting is set to be formally sentenced on April 22.

What they’re saying

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.