Clark County Bans Kratom Sales in Unincorporated Areas
Clark County Board Meeting | Jan. 16, 2026
Article Summary: The Clark County Board voted unanimously to prohibit the sale, possession, and delivery of Kratom and 7-Hydroxymitragynine products within the county’s unincorporated areas. The measure follows similar action taken by the City of Marshall and aims to curb the availability of the substances at local businesses.
Kratom Prohibition Key Points:
-
The Ban: Prohibits sales, possession, and delivery of Kratom and 7-Hydroxymitragynine products in unincorporated Clark County.
-
Reasoning: Officials described it as a “new” drug circulating in gas stations and businesses that needs to be kept out of public hands.
-
Vote Result: Passed unanimously (6-0), with Board Member Mike Parsons absent.
-
Public Input: Resident Warren LeFever supported the measure, noting Marshall City Council had already passed a similar ban.
The Clark County Board on Friday, January 16, 2026, adopted a resolution to ban the sale and possession of Kratom products in the unincorporated areas of the county.
Jonathan Burns presented the issue to the Board, describing Kratom as a “new” drug circulating within Clark County. Burns noted that the substance can be found at “any gas station and other businesses as well.” He provided the Board with a sample packet and informational handouts to demonstrate the product’s accessibility.
“Jonathan was asking the Board to approve the resolution to fine businesses that sell the product to help keep it out of the hands of people,” the meeting minutes state.
During the public comment period, Warren LeFever spoke in favor of the resolution. LeFever informed the Board that the Marshall City Council had recently passed a similar prohibition and encouraged the County to follow suit. He noted that the chemical composition of such substances can change over time, suggesting the resolution might need future updates. LeFever also mentioned that Marshall had passed a measure holding parents responsible for damage caused by their children, suggesting the County Board consider similar legislation in the future.
Board Member Jim Bolin made the motion to approve the resolution, seconded by Brandon Burkybile. The measure passed with a unanimous “aye” vote from the six members present.
Latest News Stories
Illinois quick hits: Mine manager pleads guilty; Johnson issues food executive order
Op-Ed: Chicago-area transit needs an intervention, not another fix
WATCH: ‘Partisans’ who want to should ‘get up and move’ from Illinois, Pritzker says
Victims identified in Minneapolis Catholic school shooting
Pentagon to build new task force to counter drone threats
Bakery and confectionery a big hit in Casey
‘Horrendous’ religious freedom violation leads to payout by Chicago Public Schools
Extended Secret Service protection canceled for Kamala Harris
Du Quoin State Fair gets $50M as senator defends two state fairs in Illinois
WATCH: Pritzker alleges Trump election interference; tells disgruntled residents to move
Illinois quick hits: Foreign national indicted for fraud; Chicago Public Schools budget approved
CA Supreme Court rejects GOP bid to stop redistricting