The Fight for Botanicals

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed a new law introducing stricter regulations on the sale and production of kratom, a popular herbal supplement derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree. The legislation, which took effect this month, establishes key consumer safety measures, including an age restriction of 21 years for purchasing kratom, mandatory product labeling standards, and limits on the concentration of active alkaloids in kratom products.

The law aims to address growing concerns about unregulated kratom products while ensuring safe access for consumers. Advocates of the legislation view it as a balanced approach that prioritizes public health without resorting to an outright ban. Georgia joins several other states that have implemented similar regulatory frameworks under the Kratom Consumer Protection Act model.

For more details on Georgia’s new kratom legislation, visit AP News.

North Dakota legislators are debating a controversial bill that could significantly impact the availability of kratom in the state. House Bill 1218, spearheaded by Representative Zachary Ista, proposes classifying kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance. This move would effectively ban the sale and possession of kratom, a plant-based substance originating from Southeast Asia. Proponents of the bill cite public health concerns, pointing to kratom’s potential for abuse and its psychoactive properties. However, the proposal has sparked debate among kratom advocates who argue for its therapeutic benefits in pain management and mood enhancement. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it has ignited discussions about the balance between public safety and personal freedom in substance regulation.

The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners has endorsed S1476, known as the Kratom Protection Act, marking a significant step towards regulating kratom use in the state. This endorsement comes after careful consideration of scientific evidence and expert testimony. The American Kratom Association (AKA) has applauded this decision, viewing it as a crucial move to ensure consumer safety while preserving access to kratom products.

The proposed legislation aims to establish guidelines for kratom manufacturing, distribution, and sale, including age restrictions and labeling requirements. Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy for the AKA, emphasized the importance of this endorsement in protecting consumers from adulterated or contaminated kratom products. The bill, if passed, would position New Jersey as a leader in kratom regulation, potentially influencing similar legislation in other states.

As of 2024, kratom remains legal in Louisiana, but its future hangs in the balance as lawmakers consider new regulations. The state has seen a tumultuous history with the substance, from banning it in 2016 to later allowing its use under the Louisiana Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Recent legislative efforts, including Senate Bill 94, aim to classify kratom’s active compounds as controlled substances, potentially restricting access. Local parishes have already begun implementing their own bans, signaling a growing trend towards stricter control. Advocates argue for regulation over prohibition, citing kratom’s potential benefits and economic impact on local businesses. As federal agencies like the FDA and DEA influence the debate, consumers and sellers alike are urged to stay informed about ongoing legal developments. For a comprehensive overview of kratom’s legal status in Louisiana, visit Big Easy Magazine’s detailed report.

The Iowa City City Council is considering a potential ban on kratom, a herbal supplement that has sparked controversy due to safety concerns and lack of regulation. Kratom, derived from a Southeast Asian tree, is popular for its pain-relieving and energy-boosting properties, but remains on the FDA’s watch list.

Matthew Lowe of the Global Kratom Coalition argues for responsible use and regulation rather than an outright ban, emphasizing kratom’s benefits when used properly. Meanwhile, Councilmember Megan Alter expressed caution about overregulation without sufficient medical understanding.

The council is still in early stages of discussion, with members conducting individual research before reconvening. Concerns about marketing to minors have been raised, but there’s also hesitation about banning a substance that isn’t illegal. The council plans to revisit the issue in coming weeks as they gather more information.

Assemblymember Matt Haney of San Francisco has introduced Assembly Bill 2365, known as the Kratom Safety Act, aimed at regulating kratom sales in California. The bill proposes prohibiting adulterated kratom, enforcing testing and registration with the California Department of Public Health, and restricting purchases to those 21 and older.

Kratom, a tropical tree with psychoactive compounds, has raised concerns due to potential contamination and unregulated quantities. While some argue for its benefits in pain relief and addiction treatment, policymakers emphasize the need for consumer protection.

“We need to provide consumers with all the necessary information to safeguard themselves,” Haney stated, highlighting the importance of clear guidelines for permitted products.

The bill’s introduction comes as states grapple with regulating kratom in the absence of federal oversight. For more details on this developing story, visit CBS News San Francisco.

In a significant setback for kratom advocates, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has vetoed a bill that would have legalized the herbal substance. The Kratom Consumer Protection Act had successfully passed both the House and Senate, but faced strong opposition from the state’s healthcare community and Attorney General Peter Neronha. Critics argue that kratom is addictive and lacks sufficient research and regulation. Governor McKee echoed these concerns, stating his decision was influenced by the overwhelming opposition from multiple state agencies and the medical community.

Despite the setback, State Representative Jay Edwards, a proponent of the bill, expressed disappointment but vowed to continue efforts to legalize kratom in the future. Meanwhile, Mac Haddow from the American Kratom Association criticized the veto as a “tragic outcome,” asserting that Rhode Islanders are being denied access to a potentially safe substance when properly regulated. For more details, you can read the full article on WPRI.