The Jackson County Board has approved a public health ordinance prohibiting the sale and distribution of kratom and kratom-derived products in unincorporated areas of the county. The ordinance took effect Jan. 1, 2026.
Kratom is a plant-derived substance often marketed as a supplement. Federal health agencies, including the FDA and CDC, have linked kratom use to addiction, seizures, liver toxicity, respiratory depression, and death.
The county says the ordinance is intended to protect public health, particularly youth, families, and vulnerable residents. The ban applies only to unincorporated areas of Jackson County. Incorporated cities, including Carbondale, are not affected unless the local government chooses to pass its own ordinances. Murphysboro has already approved a similar ban.
Officials encourage residents who have concerns about dependency, addiction, withdrawal, or substance use recovery to contact local healthcare providers, behavioral health organizations, or local support networks.
