Castle Rock will prohibit retail sales of kratom starting in early November after the Town Council approved a ban 6-1 on Tuesday, Oct. 6. Violations could bring a fine of up to $2,650 and as much as a year in jail, though the ordinance does not outlaw possessing or using kratom. The town had barred sales to people under 18 in 2019. The new measure extends that restriction to all retail sales within Castle Rock. Kratom, a plant-derived substance that can have opioid-like effects and may be addictive, has drawn renewed attention after authorities said it may have been connected to the deaths of two University of Mississippi students, including Colorado freshman Aidan Hamilton. Colorado adopted regulations for kratom products last year, but the substance is not federally controlled. Health concerns cited in the debate include products enhanced with 7-hydroxymitragynine, or 7-OH, a potent opioid compound that occurs naturally in kratom only in trace amounts. Some advocates argue that enhanced products should be treated differently from kratom leaf, which they say may help with chronic pain or addiction. At Tuesday’s meeting, one public commenter urged the council to prohibit sales, saying kratom products are often displayed at gas stations and smoke shops in packaging that can appeal to young people. Another commenter argued that banning all kratom went too far and that restrictions should target synthetic 7-OH products instead. Councilmember Max Brooks cited Hamilton’s death in supporting the ban, saying the circumstances warranted reconsidering the town’s approach. Councilmember Kevin Bracken voted against the measure, raising concerns about changing the rules for local businesses. The impact could vary among retailers. Paul Greer, manager of Bubbles Smoke Shop, said the store stopped selling kratom last year after learning more about potential risks. Another Castle Rock smoke shop told local media that kratom accounts for 40% of its sales and said the ban could threaten its business. The ordinance applies to retail sales in Castle Rock; it does not prohibit residents from possessing or personally using kratom.