The Fight for Botanicals

The North Dakota Senate has decided to pause on regulating kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia known for its use as an energy booster and pain management aid. Instead, lawmakers voted 31-15 to convert House Bill 1566 into a call for a legislative study on kratom’s uses and potential regulations. The bill, which previously proposed direct regulation, will now return to the House for further consideration.

The decision reflects ongoing debates in the legislature, with some members advocating for more information before enacting new rules. Senator Jeff Magrum, who sponsored the amendment, emphasized the need for a deeper understanding of kratom before moving forward. The study will examine both the benefits and regulatory considerations for kratom products, which remain widely available to consumers, particularly online.

For more details, see the coverage at Knox Radio.

The Tennessee legislature has advanced House Joint Resolution 147, a measure advocating for a statewide ban on kratom, a plant-based supplement often marketed for pain relief and stress management. The resolution, championed by State Representative Esther Helton-Haynes of East Ridge, calls for strict legislation to limit kratom’s availability in Tennessee. Helton-Haynes cited a recent case involving a Chattanooga man whose death was reportedly linked to an interaction between kratom and prescription medication.

Kratom, which is advertised for its opioid- and stimulant-like effects, remains legal in many states but is listed as a “drug and chemical of concern” by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The resolution now heads to the Senate and, if approved, will move to Governor Bill Lee’s desk for consideration. For more details, see the original article on MSN News.

Mississippi lawmakers have advanced two bills aimed at regulating the sale of kratom, an herbal product widely used for its potential health benefits. House Bill 1077, which has passed both chambers, would raise the minimum purchasing age for kratom to 21 and ban synthetic kratom products. These measures are intended to ensure consumer safety while maintaining access to pure kratom products.

The legislation has garnered mixed reactions. Advocates, such as Christina Dent of End It For Good, praised the approach for balancing regulation with accessibility, emphasizing harm reduction. However, some lawmakers, like Rep. Stacey Hobgood-Wilkes, expressed disappointment that stricter measures—such as classifying kratom as a Schedule III controlled substance—were not adopted.

Additionally, House Bill 1896 proposes a 25% excise tax on kratom products, raising concerns about affordability and the potential for underground markets. Local ordinances banning kratom remain unaffected by these bills, leaving some users worried about inconsistent regulations across the state.

The Texas State Senate is currently reviewing Senate Bill 1868, which, if passed, would ban the sale of kratom in the state. Kratom, derived from a Southeast Asian tree, has gained popularity for its potential to relieve pain, anxiety, and depression.

Proponents of kratom argue that the plant offers a natural alternative to prescription medications, particularly opioids, for managing chronic pain. Some studies suggest kratom may have a lower risk of addiction and fewer side effects than traditional painkillers. Many people who struggle with opioid addiction find kratom helpful in managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings.

Despite these potential benefits, concerns persist regarding the safety and regulation of kratom products, which has fueled the proposed ban. For more information on the bill and the debate surrounding kratom, you can read the full article on MSN.

The town of Dracut has moved to ban kratom, an herbal supplement with a growing base of supporters who tout its potential benefits for pain relief, energy, and overall well-being. The decision, made during a recent Board of Selectmen meeting, reflects concerns from some officials about the substance’s safety. However, many advocates argue that kratom is a misunderstood natural remedy.

Derived from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree, kratom has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Supporters point out that it offers a natural alternative to prescription painkillers and can assist those seeking relief from chronic conditions. While critics cite concerns about misuse, proponents emphasize the need for regulation rather than outright bans, allowing consumers to access safe and reliable products.

For more on this story, visit The Lowell Sun here.

Montana is grappling with how to regulate kratom, a plant-based substance marketed as a mood and energy enhancer with potential for addiction. With no federal oversight, the state is acting to address supply chain issues and safeguard consumers.

The “Kratom Consumer Protection Act,” drafted by the American Kratom Association, is under consideration in the Montana Legislature. The act seeks to ban sales to those under 18 and limit the products labeled as “kratom” based on the concentration of specific chemical elements. Other states have passed similar industry-supported legislation.

Concerns remain about whether the proposed bill prioritizes public health or commercial interests. According to a report by NBC Montana, the bill’s success depends on the state’s capacity to regulate the industry and the integrity of retailers in product testing and advertising.

The Jones County Board of Supervisors recently discussed the regulation of kratom, a controversial herbal product derived from Southeast Asia, during their March 4 meeting. While no official decision was made, the board acknowledged growing concerns over kratom’s potential health risks and its availability in local stores.

Kratom, often marketed as a natural remedy for pain and opioid withdrawal, has sparked debate nationwide due to its stimulant- and opioid-like effects. Critics argue it is addictive and dangerous, while supporters claim it can be a valuable tool for managing chronic conditions.

The board is considering options, including restrictions or an outright ban, but emphasized the need for further research and public input before proceeding. This discussion reflects broader legislative efforts across Mississippi to regulate kratom use and sales.

For more details, visit WDAM.

A recent FDA-led pilot study evaluating kratom’s safety revealed the botanical was “well tolerated” in single doses up to 12 grams under clinical conditions. The trial, involving 40 healthy participants with no substance abuse history, tested escalating doses of encapsulated kratom leaf powder. While higher doses (8–12 grams) caused transient nausea—attributed to the bulk of ingesting up to 24 capsules—researchers observed no severe adverse effects beyond minor pupil dilation.

Christopher McCurdy, a University of Florida medicinal chemist and study co-author, noted the findings open doors for further research into kratom’s therapeutic potential, particularly for pain management and opioid withdrawal. The study used rigorously tested kratom from Super Speciosa, a supplier advocating for industry regulation and standardized manufacturing practices.

FDA emphasized the need for additional studies to assess risks linked to commercial kratom products, including extracts with concentrated alkaloids. Advocates hope the results prompt balanced oversight rather than outright bans. For full details, read the original SupplySide SJ report.

The Fourth International Kratom Symposium, held February 4-7 at the University of Florida College of Pharmacy’s Orlando campus, brought together nearly 100 researchers, regulators, and industry leaders from around the world. This invitation-only event highlighted the latest advancements in kratom research and explored strategies for responsible regulation of the Southeast Asian plant known for its potential therapeutic benefits.

Keynote speaker Dr. Jack Henningfield of Johns Hopkins University praised the remarkable growth in kratom-related research, noting a surge in publications from 22 in 2015 to over 140 in 2024. The symposium featured over 40 presentations on topics such as clinical studies, quality standards, and regulatory frameworks.

UF’s leadership in kratom research was emphasized by Dr. Oliver Grundmann, who highlighted the university’s role in advancing global collaboration. For more details on this event, visit UF College of Pharmacy.

Elk Grove Village trustees have voted to prohibit the sale of kratom, a substance commonly found in smoke and vape shops, marking the latest step in the village’s efforts to regulate controversial products. The ban, which takes effect on Friday, February 21, follows a similar restriction on low-dose THC products enacted earlier in 2023.

Kratom, derived from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree, occupies a legal gray area. While the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has labeled it a “Drug and Chemical of Concern,” it is not currently regulated under the Controlled Substances Act. The DEA notes that kratom can produce stimulant effects at low doses and sedative effects at higher doses, with risks of addiction and psychosis in some cases.

Mayor Craig Johnson acknowledged kratom’s growing controversy and noted that many municipalities nationwide have already banned it. For more details, visit the full report at Journal & Topics.

Mississippi’s House Drug Policy Committee is making strides toward regulating kratom, an herbal supplement with both advocates and critics. Committee Chair Stacey Wilkes (R) introduced House Bill 1121 to classify kratom as a Schedule III substance, aiming to balance public safety with informed decision-making. The bill seeks to address concerns about kratom’s addictive potential while ensuring lawmakers are educated on its effects.

During a recent hearing, state health leaders highlighted kratom’s ability to bind to opioid receptors, providing pain relief but also raising risks of dependency. Advocates, however, emphasize its role in harm reduction and as a natural alternative for managing chronic pain.

The legislation has passed the Drug Policy Committee and awaits further review. By fostering informed dialogue, Mississippi is taking proactive steps to regulate kratom responsibly. For more details, visit the full article on the Magnolia Tribune here.

A proposed ordinance to ban the sale of kratom, Delta-8 THC, and other synthetic drugs in Batavia, Illinois, faced strong opposition from residents and business owners during a City Council meeting on January 28. The ordinance, introduced by Police Chief Eric Blowers, cited public health risks associated with these substances, including hallucinations, seizures, and even fatalities. Blowers also referenced a 2021 fatal traffic accident involving a driver who tested positive for kratom.

Despite these concerns, local merchants argued the ban was overly broad. Cheryl Cryer, owner of Urban Apothecary, defended her store’s CBD products, presenting over 100 letters from customers opposing the measure. Distributor Brent King likened whole-leaf kratom to poppy seeds—safe in natural form but dangerous when synthesized.

After nearly an hour of public comments, the council unanimously tabled the ordinance, citing enforcement challenges. For more details, visit Shaw Local.