Category: Kratom

Hillsborough County commissioners are weighing a proposal to ban the sale of kratom to minors and regulate its sale to adults. The initiative, discussed on August 2, 2024, aims to address concerns about the unregulated nature of kratom while recognizing its potential benefits for some users.

Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has gained popularity in the U.S. for its purported pain-relieving and mood-enhancing properties. However, the lack of federal regulation has led to varying local responses. The proposed ordinance in Hillsborough County seeks to establish age restrictions and safety standards for kratom sales, ensuring that minors cannot purchase the substance.

This move reflects a growing trend among local governments to balance consumer access with public health considerations. For more details, visit the full article on WFLA here.

In a significant move to regulate the kratom industry, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed into law new legislation aimed at ensuring consumer safety. The bill, which took effect on July 1, introduces strict guidelines for the production and sale of kratom, an herbal supplement derived from a Southeast Asian tree.

The new law mandates clear labeling of kratom products, including ingredient lists and warnings against use by minors. It also sets limits on the concentration of kratom’s active compounds and prohibits the sale of adulterated or contaminated products.

Supporters of the legislation argue that it strikes a balance between protecting consumers and maintaining access for adults who use kratom. The move comes amid growing national debate over the safety and regulation of this increasingly popular herbal supplement.

For more details on Georgia’s new kratom regulations, read the full report on AP News.

A petition to classify kratom as a Schedule I drug in Virginia has ignited significant public debate. Jennifer Brandt, a Hampton-based pharmacist, submitted the petition to the Virginia Board of Pharmacy, proposing to regulate kratom similarly to substances like heroin and LSD. This move would make kratom, a plant-based product used for pain relief and addiction recovery, more inaccessible than many opioids.

The petition has received over 2,900 comments, predominantly from individuals who credit kratom with aiding their recovery from addiction. Jeremy Tillem, a Richmond resident who used kratom to detox from heroin, argues that banning the substance would drive people back to more dangerous drugs. “Kratom basically saved my life,” Tillem stated.

However, some pharmacists support the petition, citing concerns over kratom’s potential for abuse. Joshua Crawford of Bon Secours Mercy Health System emphasized the need for regulation to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic.

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy will review the petition on June 25. If approved, the rulemaking process could take several months, involving public comment periods and input from state officials. For more details, read the full article on Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Amid increasing concerns about the quality and safety of kratom products, industry leaders are advocating for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish a regulatory framework. The American Kratom Association (AKA) and other stakeholders argue that FDA oversight is essential to ensure consumer protection and product consistency in the rapidly expanding market.

The push for regulation comes as the kratom industry faces scrutiny over the lack of standardized quality controls, which can lead to contamination and inconsistent potency. By implementing FDA regulations, proponents believe it will enhance the credibility of kratom products and provide clearer guidelines for manufacturers and consumers alike.

For more details, read the full article on Benzinga here.

As kratom gains popularity, regulatory changes are reshaping its market landscape. Recent updates from various states highlight the evolving legal status and safety measures surrounding this herbal supplement. States are increasingly implementing regulations to ensure product quality and consumer safety, including age restrictions and labeling requirements.

These changes aim to address concerns about adulteration and misinformation, providing consumers with clearer guidance on kratom use. For those interested in the latest developments and what they mean for kratom users, Healthline offers a comprehensive overview of the current regulatory environment and its implications.

For more detailed information, you can read the full article on Healthline here.

The Virginia Board of Pharmacy has decided not to take action on a request to classify kratom as a Schedule I drug. The decision, announced on Wednesday, comes after a Hampton Roads pharmacist petitioned the board to restrict the herbal supplement.In its brief statement, the board cited insufficient evidence to determine that kratom has no medicinal value. The decision leaves kratom available for purchase by individuals 21 and older in Virginia.The proposal had sparked thousands of public comments, with many kratom advocates arguing for its pain-relieving properties and potential in addiction recovery. However, some pharmacists raised concerns about abuse potential and safety.While federal agencies like the FDA oppose kratom, other groups, including the National Institute for Drug Abuse, support further research into its potential medicinal uses. The board may revisit the issue in future meetings.

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.