Orland Bans Kratom, 'Gas Station Heroin,' Other Substances

ORLAND PARK, IL — Orland Park officials voted this week to ban some synthetic and herbal substances known for producing effects similar to those of opioids and stimulants.

Trustees on April 15 voted unanimously to ban kratom, tianeptine and other novel synthetic and psychoactive drugs. This ban is in addition to a ban on synthetic cannabis that the Board approved in June 2023.

As a result of multiple loopholes, markets have begun to emerge utilizing synthetic compounds that mimic the intoxicating effects of opioids, cannabis, and other psychoactive drugs, officials said in a release Friday.

"Drug makers have long developed new compounds to overcome regulations in order to profit from illicit and intoxicating substances," the release reads.

Orland Park officials "seeks to stay ahead of illicit operators by banning businesses from manufacturing, selling or distributing kratom, tianeptine, Delta 8 and other novel synthetic and psychoactive drugs."

Related: 'Frankenstein Weed': Illinois Cannabis Industry Pushes For Ban On Hemp-Derived Delta-8 THC

"Kratom is untested and not authorized for consumption by the FDA, and yet it’s readily available," said Mayor Keith Pekau. "If kratom and other synthetics have medicinal benefits, they should go through the FDA and sold through pharmacies like other regulated drugs and not sold in gas stations."

Officials said that kratom has not been FDA-approved as a drug, dietary supplement, or food ingredient. Despite these federal restrictions and concerns about production quality, officials noted, the U.S. kratom industry still imports this product even if labeled not for human consumption, then repackages the substance, and sells via online or other retail outlets purposely for people to ingest.

Kratom has been banned in 32 countries as well as six US States, including neighboring states Indiana and Wisconsin. In Illinois, the only current limitations against kratom are the banning of sale and possession to minors under 18.

"A Tampa Bay Times investigation recently found that hundreds of people in Florida alone have died using kratom," said Orland Park Police Chief Eric Rossi. "We take great pride in the safety of our residents and want to ensure that kratom, tianeptine (sometimes referred to as "gas station heroin") and other harmful and unregulated synthetic drugs have no place in Orland Park."

"Some people find it hard to do the right thing, being the first, or leading the fight to do the right thing." said Orland Park Fire Chief Michael Schofield, of the board's decision. "This ordinance is the right thing to do to protect our community and our youth from the harms of synthetic drugs."

Ordinance 5883, an ordinance creating a new Chapter 25 prohibition of kratom, novel synthetic and psychoactive drug business establishments of Title 7 business and license of the Orland Park Village Code, was passed unanimously by the Village Board at its April 15 meeting. The ordinance goes into effect immediately.