Author: Matthew

In response to growing concerns over the unregulated market of kratom products, California Assemblyman Matt Haney has introduced the Kratom Safety Act (AB2365). This proposed legislation aims to establish strict regulations on the sale and distribution of kratom, an herbal substance derived from a Southeast Asian tree known for its stimulant and opioid-like effects.

Haney’s proposal comes amid increasing reports of adverse health effects and safety issues linked to unregulated kratom products. The act seeks to implement standards for manufacturing, labeling, and marketing kratom, ensuring consumers receive safe and accurately labeled products.

The Kratom Safety Act underscores the urgent need for regulatory oversight in the burgeoning market of herbal supplements. By setting these standards, the legislation aims to protect public health while allowing consumers to safely benefit from kratom’s potential uses.

For more details, visit the CBS News.

In Tangipahoa Parish, the decision to ban the sale and distribution of kratom has been postponed to allow for further research. The parish council’s move comes amid ongoing debates about the safety and regulation of the herbal substance, which has gained popularity for its pain-relieving and mood-enhancing properties.

Council members expressed the need for more comprehensive information before making a final decision, highlighting the importance of understanding both the potential benefits and risks associated with kratom use. This delay aims to ensure that any future regulations are informed and balanced. For more details, read the full article on Hammond Star.

A Sacramento resident has become a vocal advocate for kratom, urging lawmakers to permit public access to the herbal supplement. In an op-ed for the Sacramento Bee, the resident highlights their personal experience with kratom as a critical aid in managing chronic pain. As the California Legislature debates a bill that would set regulatory standards for kratom sales, the advocate underscores the potential benefits for those suffering from chronic conditions.

The bill aims to provide a framework for the safe and regulated sale of kratom products, addressing both consumer safety and access. This legislative effort could set a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues.

For more details, read the full op-ed on Sacramento Bee.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has once again cautioned consumers about the potential dangers associated with kratom use. Kratom, a plant-based substance often marketed for its purported benefits in managing pain and opioid withdrawal, is under scrutiny for its risk of serious adverse effects.

The FDA highlights that kratom has not been approved for any medical use and poses significant health risks, including liver toxicity, seizures, and dependency. The agency emphasizes that kratom products, often sold as dietary supplements, have not undergone rigorous safety evaluations, leading to concerns about their purity and consistency.

Consumers are urged to avoid using kratom and seek alternative treatments that are FDA-approved and clinically tested. For more detailed information on the FDA’s stance and ongoing regulatory efforts, visit the original announcement on the FDA website.

In response to growing safety concerns over kratom, Assemblymember Matt Haney from San Francisco has introduced Assembly Bill 2365, known as the Kratom Safety Act. This new legislation aims to tighten regulations on the sale of kratom in California, focusing on product purity and consumer safety. The bill proposes banning the sale of adulterated kratom products, requires rigorous testing, registration with the California Department of Public Health, and restricts sales to those over 21. As the popularity of this herbal supplement increases, California seeks to set a standard in regulating its use to prevent health risks associated with unregulated products. Read more about the initiative on CBS San Francisco.

West Virginia has introduced new regulations governing the distribution and sale of kratom and hemp-derived cannabinoid products. As detailed in recent legislation, the state has designated the Commissioner of Agriculture and the WV Alcohol Beverage Control Administration Commissioner to oversee these substances. The bill, Senate Bill 679, promotes increased collaboration and information sharing among state authorities to ensure consumer safety. This move is part of a broader effort to standardize the safety measures for these products at the retail level, addressing potential risks and ensuring compliance with state laws. West Virginia’s proactive approach aims to safeguard public health while accommodating the growing popularity of these natural and therapeutic products.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed into law House Bill 181, which imposes new restrictions on the purchase of kratom. The new legislation, which you can read about in detail here, increases the legal purchasing age from 18 to 21 and introduces stringent labeling requirements. This law, effective from January 1, 2025, aims to enhance consumer safety and ensure transparency in the marketing and sale of kratom in Georgia. It outlines severe penalties for non-compliance, with processors facing possible felonies and fines up to $100,000. This move reflects growing concerns about the potential risks associated with kratom, which can act as a stimulant in small doses and produce opioid-like effects at higher doses.

In California, the unregulated sale of kratom, an herbal substance with both stimulant and sedative effects, has raised concerns among both advocates and critics. As reported in the Los Angeles Times, Assemblymember Matt Haney is spearheading efforts to impose regulations on kratom through Assembly Bill 2365. This proposed legislation would require kratom products to be registered, mandate labeling of alkaloid content, and set age restrictions for purchasing. With no current federal approval for kratom as a dietary supplement, the state’s initiative seeks to safeguard consumers by ensuring product consistency and preventing underage access. This move could set a precedent for other states grappling with the regulation of this widely used yet controversial plant.

In a significant shift, Thailand has recently legalized the Kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa), opening doors to extensive research and application of this traditional remedy. According to a recent study conducted by Chulalongkorn University, as reported by Nation Thailand, kratom exhibits promising pain relief, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification benefits. This move is part of Thailand’s broader initiative to integrate natural and locally sourced solutions into healthcare. Researchers are now focusing on validating centuries-old local wisdom that harnessed kratom’s therapeutic properties, which could lead to more natural treatment options available to the public.