Missourians living with chronic pain are increasingly turning to kratom and its active ingredient, 7-OH, as an alternative to traditional painkillers. Brandi Lane, who endured two decades of persistent pain, credits kratom with restoring her quality of life after years of ineffective treatments and frequent emergency room visits.
Despite its benefits, kratom remains unregulated in Missouri, with no statewide requirements for safety testing, labeling, or age restrictions. Lane warns that this regulatory gap leaves consumers vulnerable and risks a potential ban if a safety incident occurs.
A recent bipartisan effort to introduce basic safety measures—such as ingredient testing and dosage guidelines—failed to pass in the state legislature. Lane and others advocate for proactive, science-driven regulations to ensure products are safe and accessible for those in need.
Without action, Lane fears many could lose access to a vital tool for managing pain. For more details, read the original opinion piece at STLToday.