La Quinta City Council Approves New Regulations on Kratom Sales

The La Quinta City Council has approved new regulations aimed at controlling the sale of kratom, a plant-based stimulant commonly sold in powders, capsules, and beverages.

Under the newly adopted ordinance, kratom products containing more than a specified amount of synthetic extract 70 are banned within the city. The law also prohibits sales to anyone under 21 years old and requires sellers to verify a customer’s age before completing a purchase.

City officials say the move aligns La Quinta with other Southern California jurisdictions that have already enacted similar kratom regulations, citing growing concerns over public health and safety.

The ordinance received support from both the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the California Narcotics Officers Association, which have raised concerns about highly concentrated kratom products and their potential misuse.

Violations of the ordinance by sellers will be charged as misdemeanors, punishable by up to a $1,000 fine, six months in jail, or both.

City leaders say the regulations are intended to strike a balance between consumer access and community safety while providing clearer enforcement standards for retailers.