According to Montana Free Press, the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council has banned the sale, use and possession of kratom on the reservation in north-central Montana.
The resolution, passed Sept. 12, applies criminal penalties to retailers selling kratom. Council member Lyle Rutherford said penalties for possession have not yet been set because enforcement mechanisms still need to be determined. The resolution cites risks of “dependence and withdrawal symptoms similar to those experienced with opioids” and the lack of U.S. Food and Drug Administration enforcement as motivating factors. The Blackfeet Tribe Department of Revenue notified kratom-selling or promoting businesses of the ban on Sept. 22.
Help us keep the fire burning, make a donation to Buffalo’s Fire
For everyone who cares about transparency in Native affairs: We exist to illuminate tribal government. Our work bridges the gap left by tribal-controlled media and non-Native, extractive journalism, providing the insights necessary for truly informed decision-making and a better quality of life. Because the consequences of restricted press freedom affect our communities every day, our trauma-informed reporting is rooted in a deep, firsthand expertise.
Every gift helps keep the fire burning. A monthly contribution makes the biggest impact. Cancel anytime.