Kansas City Bans 'Gas Station Drugs' and Synthetic Kratom

New ordinance restricts sale of certain kratom and 7-OH products, citing health and safety concerns

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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The Kansas City city council has passed an ordinance banning the sale of synthetic kratom products and restricting the sale of natural kratom products in the city. The new law prohibits the sale of kratom products that can be smoked, vaped, or resemble candy, as well as synthetic versions of the substance 7-OH. Natural kratom can only be sold to adults 21 and older, and businesses must obtain a license to sell it.

Why it matters

The ordinance is aimed at addressing concerns about the lack of oversight and safety testing for so-called "gas station drugs" like kratom and 7-OH, which have been linked to addiction, overdoses, and other public health issues in some communities. The new restrictions are part of a broader effort to protect public safety and keep potentially dangerous substances out of neighborhoods and away from young people.

The details

Under the new ordinance, stores in Kansas City will have 60 days to comply with the new rules once the law takes effect. Synthetic kratom products and any kratom products that can be smoked, vaped, or resemble candy will be banned entirely. Natural kratom can only be sold to adults 21 and older, and businesses must obtain a license to sell it. The ordinance was introduced by Mayor Quinton Lucas in December 2025 and was passed by the city council after a public hearing where community members expressed mixed opinions on the substances.

  • The ordinance was introduced by Mayor Quinton Lucas in December 2025.
  • The city council passed the ordinance after a public hearing earlier this week.
  • Stores will have 60 days to comply with the new rules once the ordinance takes effect.

The players

Quinton Lucas

The mayor of Kansas City who introduced the ordinance banning certain "gas station drugs" in the city.

Kansas City City Council

The city council that passed the ordinance restricting the sale of synthetic kratom and certain natural kratom products.

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What they’re saying

“Gas station drugs are sold with virtually no oversight or safety testing. They're marketed as legal alternatives, but they can be just as dangerous as illegal drugs — leading to addiction, overdoses, and harming our neighborhoods and young people. This law takes a common-sense approach to protect public health and public safety while keeping our communities safe.”

— Quinton Lucas, Mayor (News release)

What’s next

Stores in Kansas City will have 60 days to comply with the new ordinance once it takes effect.

The takeaway

This ordinance reflects growing concerns about the lack of regulation and potential dangers of so-called "gas station drugs" like kratom and synthetic substances. By restricting access and requiring licensing, Kansas City is taking steps to protect public health and safety in the community.