Lynden City Hall on Sept. 14, 2026. City officials have begun researching possible restrictions on the advertising and sale of kratom and related products. Photo by Fernando Gonzalez Jr. / Bellingham Metro News.
LYNDEN, Wash. — The City of Lynden has begun researching a possible ban on the advertising and sale of kratom and related products, putting another northwest Washington community into the growing discussion surrounding kratom and concentrated products such as 7-OH.
Bellingham Metro News first contacted Lynden City Councilmember Gary Bode about the local availability of kratom and 7-OH products.
Bode told BMN that he planned to raise the issue with city officials and later said he had spoken with Lynden Police Chief Jeremy Bos about bringing the matter before the city’s Public Safety Committee.
Following that discussion, Bos confirmed to Bellingham Metro News that the city had begun researching a possible ban involving the advertising and sale of kratom and related products.
The process remains in its early stages. Lynden has not banned kratom, and no final ordinance has been approved by the Lynden City Council.
Bos said it is too early to determine exactly what products or restrictions a future ordinance could include. That leaves open whether a proposal would apply broadly to kratom or focus more narrowly on concentrated products such as 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly known as 7-OH.
The discussion also comes as the Lynden Police Department has dealt with theft-related incidents involving the products.
Bos confirmed that Lynden police responded earlier this year to at least two shoplifting incidents involving stolen kratom products, along with two overnight burglaries in which kratom products were taken.
Bode had previously told BMN about two break-ins at a Lynden Sinclair station involving the products.
Lynden’s review comes as nearby cities have already moved forward with restrictions.
Bellingham Metro News reported Monday that the Bellingham City Council voted unanimously, 7-0, to approve an ordinance prohibiting the preparation, distribution and sale of kratom products within city limits.
Bellingham’s ordinance is not limited to concentrated 7-OH products. It also covers traditional kratom products, extracts and synthesized kratom material, including synthetic mitragynine and synthetic 7-OH.
The Bellingham ordinance does not prohibit possession or personal use. During Monday’s meeting, several councilmembers said they would prefer broader state or federal regulation rather than leaving individual cities to develop separate rules.
Mount Vernon has also taken action. The Mount Vernon City Council previously approved restrictions involving the sale and distribution of kratom products within city limits.
The actions in Bellingham and Mount Vernon now leave Lynden considering what approach, if any, should be taken locally.
Bode told BMN that city officials would continue researching the issue and that Mayor Scott Korthuis was expected to raise it with representatives from other smaller cities in Whatcom County.
No date has been announced for a proposed ordinance to come before the full Lynden City Council.
For now, kratom products remain legal for sale in Lynden under city law while officials continue reviewing the issue.
Bellingham Metro News will continue following the process, including whether a formal ordinance is introduced and what products any proposed restrictions would cover.
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