Keep Kratom Out of Natchez - Alderwoman Smith
Natchez alderwoman asks city to research kratom sales ordinance
An alderwoman asked the Natchez Board of Aldermen to begin researching a possible ordinance restricting kratom sales within city limits.
At the regular meeting of the Natchez Mayor and Board of Aldermen on October 14, 2026, Alderwoman Smith raised concerns about overdose deaths linked to kratom, citing cases in Oxford, Mississippi, and reportedly in Natchez. She asked staff to look into drafting local restrictions, telling the board, "Let's um have our city planner go ahead and research an ordinance for at least stopping that cratom." No formal ordinance was introduced or voted on at the meeting; the request was limited to directing city staff to study the issue and report back to the board.
An unconfirmed remark attributed to another official at the meeting referenced a local business displaying a kratom banner and suggested other Mississippi cities have already banned the substance's sale, though this has not been verified against the meeting record.
The discussion reflects an early-stage regulatory effort targeting a product that remains legal to sell in Mississippi. Such proposals test the balance between municipal public-health authority and the limits of local licensing power, an issue likely to draw further attention as Natchez officials consider whether to move toward a formal ordinance.