City Weighs Ban on Kratom, Hemp, THC Sales

Philadelphia, Mississippi aldermen have tabled an ordinance to bar sales of kratom, hemp and THC products at convenience stores while the city attorney reviews state law.

Updated on Nov. 10, 2026 in City Hall

City Weighs Ban on Kratom, Hemp, THC Sales

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Should your city ban kratom, hemp, and THC sales at convenience stores?

Philadelphia, Mississippi aldermen are considering an ordinance that would ban the sale of kratom, hemp and THC products at convenience stores. Aldermen tabled the discussion last Tuesday to give City Attorney Robert Lee Thomas more time to review state laws.

Why it matters

Police Chief Eric Lyons said the products are creating problems and overdoses and that the city wants to protect young people, while Mayor Jim Fulton cited deaths across the state. The proposal would not apply to medical marijuana.

Testing by the crime lab found some products with THC levels three to four times the legally allowed 0.3% limit, and state law already bars sales to anyone under 21. Whether the city ordinance advances and how the Legislature responds remain unknown.

The players

Philadelphia Police Department

The city's law enforcement agency conducted the yearlong investigation and executed the warrants that led to six arrests.

Robert Lee Thomas

Philadelphia's City Attorney is preparing a resolution asking the state Legislature to address sale of these products statewide.

The details

The discussion began during the Oct. 20 meeting after Police Chief Eric Lyons raised concerns about kratom, hemp and THC sales in convenience stores. Last month police executed warrants and arrested six individuals on charges related to selling THC products in local stores, following a yearlong investigation.

Oct. 20: Discussion of the proposed ban began at the city meeting.
Last month: Police executed warrants and made six arrests.
Last Tuesday: Aldermen tabled the ordinance to allow further legal review.

Legal Context

Philadelphia's proposal builds on state rules that already set a 21-year minimum age and a 0.3% THC ceiling for these products. Municipalities adopting similar bans is the pattern the chief said the city is following.

If adopted, the ordinance would remove kratom, hemp and THC products from convenience stores in Philadelphia, leaving medical marijuana unaffected. Residents who buy these products locally would need to find another retailer.

The takeaway

Local rules on kratom, hemp and THC products are moving faster than statewide policy, so residents should watch for the ordinance vote and any state Legislature response. The age limit of 21 already applies to all sales today.