Williston City Commission Flags Kratom Concerns And Calls For Oversight

The Williston City Commission has adopted a resolution outlining concerns about kratom-labeled products and signalling support for increased oversight at the state and federal levels.

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Resolution No. 26-026 was approved following discussions with residents, law enforcement, healthcare professionals and others who shared perspectives on the product’s availability and potential public health effects. City officials said the conversations highlighted a desire for action that is measured, enforceable and focused on community safety.

"We look forward to moving this forward and advocating for change, not only for here in the City of Williston but beyond our borders." Williston Mayor Cory Swindt commenting on the resolution during Tuesday's city council meeting. "This is a bigger issue that's a national issue, and it's a scarry problem."

The resolution does not ban the sale of kratom or create penalties. Instead, it establishes the city’s position, encourages stronger regulation by state and federal authorities and directs staff to communicate those concerns to policymakers. It also provides a framework for potential future local action.

Williston's senior member of the commission and state representative Brad Bekkedahl telecommunicated in while attending National Conference of State Legislature meetings.  "This afternoon it was timely that I was involved on Kratom and got a lot of good information on the federal and state efforts to manage the product and make the public more safe."

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City leaders said they opted not to pursue an ordinance immediately in order to allow time to review ongoing developments at the federal and state levels and to ensure any future regulations are legally sound. Officials emphasized that any future measures would likely focus on retail sales and distribution rather than penalizing individuals.

The city plans to continue monitoring guidance from agencies such as the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the North Dakota Board of Pharmacy while working with local stakeholders.

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Officials described the resolution as an initial step in a broader process to address concerns while evaluating additional regulatory options if needed.