Author: Matthew

Dare County Commissioner Ervin Bateman is leading efforts to ban kratom and similar substances across North Carolina. Bateman, a recovering alcoholic with 34 years of sobriety, argues that these unregulated products are being used as substitutes for harder drugs, particularly among young people and those in recovery.

Kratom, an herbal substance with opioid-like effects, is at the center of this controversy. While the National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that serious side effects are rare, Bateman believes its availability poses a threat to those seeking complete sobriety.

The county plans to draft a standalone resolution for the state legislature, hoping for better success than a previous attempt that was bundled with marijuana legislation. Despite some residents questioning the priority of this issue, Bateman remains committed to proactive measures in addiction recovery.

The Lowell Board of Health has taken a decisive step by unanimously voting to ban the sale and distribution of kratom within city limits. This action, effective immediately, targets a Southeast Asian herb that has gained popularity for its purported pain relief and mood-enhancing properties. The decision comes after months of deliberation and public input, with health officials citing concerns over kratom’s addictive potential and possible health risks. As reported by The Lowell Sun, proponents of kratom argue for its benefits in managing chronic pain and opioid withdrawal, while opponents, including the FDA, warn of its potential dangers. This ban aligns Lowell with other Massachusetts communities that have restricted kratom, reflecting a growing trend of local regulation in the absence of federal oversight.

The Union Parish Police Jury has taken a decisive step against kratom, a controversial herbal substance, by unanimously voting to ban its sale and distribution within the parish. This decision, made on December 4, 2024, comes amid growing concerns about the potential health risks associated with kratom use.

Kratom, derived from a Southeast Asian tree, has been marketed as a natural pain reliever and mood enhancer. However, its safety and legality have been subjects of debate across the United States. The ban in Union Parish reflects similar actions taken by other jurisdictions worried about kratom’s addictive properties and possible adverse effects.

Local officials hope this measure will protect residents from what they perceive as a dangerous substance. The impact of this ban on local businesses and kratom users remains to be seen.

The University of Florida has taken a groundbreaking step in pharmacist education by introducing a course on kratom, a plant-based substance gaining popularity for its potential therapeutic benefits. This initiative, applauded by the Global Kratom Coalition, aims to equip pharmacists with crucial knowledge about kratom’s properties, uses, and potential risks.

The course, developed by leading kratom researchers, covers various aspects including the plant’s chemistry, pharmacology, and legal status. It addresses the growing consumer interest in kratom and the need for healthcare professionals to provide accurate information.

This educational effort comes at a time when kratom use is increasing, despite ongoing debates about its safety and efficacy. By offering evidence-based education, the University of Florida is positioning itself at the forefront of preparing future pharmacists to handle questions and concerns about this controversial substance.

The Iowa City Council has initiated a controversial move to prohibit the sale of kratom, an herbal substance known for its opioid-like effects. In a tense meeting marked by divided opinions, the council voted to advance the ban, which would outlaw the sale and advertising of kratom while still permitting personal possession and use.

The decision came alongside a vote to advance new zoning regulations for tobacco retailers, aimed at limiting their proximity to schools and the University of Iowa. Both measures require two more rounds of approval before implementation.

Adding to the controversy, council members uncovered hundreds of fraudulent emails opposing the ban, sent under the names of real Iowa City residents who denied authoring them. This discovery raised concerns about the integrity of the public feedback process.

Supporters of the ban cited public health concerns, while opponents questioned the council’s role in regulating such substances. The debate reflects the ongoing national controversy surrounding kratom’s safety and efficacy.

The Czech Republic is set to implement new restrictions on the sale of psychomodulatory substances, including kratom and hexahydrocannabinol (HHC). On October 9, the Czech Senate passed an amendment to the Act on Addictive Substances, aiming to protect minors while avoiding outright prohibition.

If signed into law, these substances will only be available to adults in specialized stores starting December. The legislation also introduces online age verification requirements and bans sales through vending machines or as products resembling toys or sweets.

Senator Roman Kraus emphasized the importance of this regulation, noting that an estimated 200-300 tons of kratom are sold annually in the Czech Republic. The move comes in response to recent incidents involving minors and seeks to balance public health concerns with avoiding criminalization of users and sellers.

Florida lawmakers are considering new regulations for kratom, an herbal substance gaining traction for its purported pain relief and mood-enhancing properties. The debate centers on balancing consumer safety with access to the product, which is currently unregulated in the state.

State Representative Alex Andrade is spearheading efforts to implement the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which would establish age restrictions and quality control measures for kratom products. The proposed legislation aims to ensure product purity and prevent adulteration with harmful substances.

While some tout kratom’s benefits, concerns persist about its potential for abuse and addiction. The Florida Legislature’s consideration of kratom regulation reflects a growing national conversation about the substance’s legal status and safety.

As discussions continue, stakeholders from various sectors are weighing in on the potential impacts of new regulations on consumers, businesses, and public health.

In a significant move for kratom consumers and the industry, Maryland Governor Wes Moore has signed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act into law. This landmark legislation, which took effect on September 19, 2024, establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework for kratom products in the state. The new law implements strict age restrictions, mandating that kratom can only be sold to individuals 21 and older. It also sets rigorous labeling requirements and quality control standards to ensure product safety and transparency. Maryland Matters reports that the act aims to protect consumers while allowing responsible access to kratom. This move positions Maryland as a leader in kratom regulation, potentially setting a precedent for other states considering similar legislation. The kratom industry and advocacy groups have largely welcomed the new law, viewing it as a balanced approach to regulation.

In a groundbreaking development, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has conducted its first preliminary study on kratom, a botanical compound that has been the subject of much debate. The study’s findings suggest that kratom leaves, when consumed in capsule form, appear to be safe even at high doses.

This research marks a significant step in understanding the compound, which has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia. The FDA’s investigation aims to address the lack of scientific data surrounding kratom, which they had previously identified as a potential public health threat.

While the results are encouraging for capsule users, questions remain about the safety of kratom in other forms, particularly drinks and concentrates more commonly consumed in the U.S. These products typically contain higher levels of the compound and may pose different risks.

This study could have far-reaching implications for the regulation and perception of kratom in the United States.