BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Bellingham could be the next city to ban an over-the-counter drug that’s facing increased scrutiny.

The Bellingham City Council will discuss an ordinance on Monday, Sept. 14, that would prohibit the sale, distribution and preparation of kratom and related products.

According to the FDA, there’s a naturally occurring alkaloid found in the kratom plant called “7-OH,” which can produce opioid effects similar to morphine and cause users to experience addiction and withdrawal.

It’s been sold over the counter at gas stations and smoke shops in a semi-synthetic, more potent form.

The council will first discuss the ordinance in a committee hearing at 1 p.m. before it goes before the full council during their regular meeting at 7.

Community members will be able to speak during the public comment period at the beginning of the regular meeting.

It comes after the Mount Vernon City Council voted last month to ban the sale and distribution of all kratom products. Spokane, Spokane Valley, Othello, Cle Elum and Moses Lake have taken similar actions.

Cascadia Daily News has previously reported on the rise of kratom use throughout Whatcom County, with local clinicians seeing an uptick in patients addicted to the largely unregulated drug.