In response to increasing concerns about kratom, California legislators have introduced a bill aimed at imposing stricter controls on the herbal substance. Kratom, which mimics opioid effects, is currently available in convenience stores and smoke shops, even to minors. The proposed legislation seeks to regulate its sale and distribution more rigorously.
Nick Telman, a Los Angeles resident, shared his experience with kratom, describing its potent effects and the subsequent addiction that cost him nearly $900 a month. Despite being marketed as a safe botanical, kratom interacts with brain receptors similarly to opioids and stimulants, raising alarms about potential abuse and dependence.
Critics argue that the lack of regulation exposes approximately two million users annually to significant health risks. For more details on the proposed bill and the ongoing debate, read the full article on KQED.