Category: Kratom

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.

Maryland is poised to join the ranks as the 13th state to enact a Kratom consumer protection act, pending the signature of Governor Wes Moore. This significant move by the Maryland Legislature aims to safeguard consumers by regulating the kratom industry within the state, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding the botanical substance. Kratom, known for its pain-relieving and mood-enhancing effects, has been at the center of controversy due to concerns over its safety and potential for abuse. The legislation represents a balanced approach to addressing these concerns while ensuring that consumers have access to safe kratom products. For more details on this developing story, read the full article on Law360.

The burgeoning popularity of Kratom in the United States, particularly in Florida, has led the Global Kratom Coalition, under the leadership of executive director Matthew Lowe, to advocate for the regulation of this mood-altering herb. Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has been lauded for its potential to ease anxiety, depression, and assist in opioid addiction recovery. However, its critics warn of its habit-forming nature and potential for addiction, with medical examiners linking it to hundreds of deaths over the past decade.

Despite these concerns, Kratom remains unregulated by the FDA, and while the DEA has marked it as a Drug and Chemical of Concern, no steps have been taken to schedule the herb or its active compounds officially. Lowe describes the current Kratom market in the U.S. as akin to the “wild, wild west,” a situation he believes needs urgent reform. The coalition, formed six months ago, aims to bridge the gap in public education and misinformation surrounding Kratom, advocating for government regulation to ensure product safety and accurate labeling.

Florida is among approximately ten states that have enacted laws regulating some aspects of Kratom, signifying a move toward Lowe’s vision of a safer and more informed marketplace for Kratom consumers.

For more insights into the coalition’s efforts and the full conversation with Matthew Lowe, visit WMNF.

In an unprecedented move, Florida lawmakers are pushing forward with legislation to regulate the potency of kratom, a popular but controversial herbal supplement. The bill, SB 842, seeks to introduce dosage recommendations and labeling requirements for kratom products sold throughout the state. Championed by Sen. Keith Perry, the legislation aims to address growing concerns over kratom’s safety and its unregulated market. This initiative follows the state’s decision last year to restrict kratom sales to individuals younger than 21. The full report on AOL.com highlights the bill’s proposals, including limits on specific alkaloid content in kratom products, reflecting a significant step toward statewide regulation. With kratom’s effects ranging from stimulant to sedative based on dosage, the move underscores Florida’s cautious approach amidst debates over the substance’s benefits and risks.

In New York, kratom, a herbal substance praised for its pain and anxiety relief capabilities, currently lacks regulation, posing risks due to potential contamination. With an estimated 1.7 million American users, concerns around kratom’s safety have prompted state legislators to consider a bill advocating for stringent testing for contaminants. Tracey Hudson, a kratom seller in Schenectady, emphasizes the necessity of regulation to enhance consumer trust and ensure product purity.

Kratom, derived from a Southeast Asian tree, has historically been used as alternative medicine but faces scrutiny in the U.S. for its unregulated status. The proposed bill, backed by Assemblywoman Donna A. Lupardo, aims to protect consumers by mandating kratom product testing, inspired by local healthcare professionals’ concerns over contaminated supplies.

Despite federal warnings about potential health risks, including liver disease and addiction, users like Bud Smith advocate for kratom’s life-changing benefits in managing anxiety and withdrawal symptoms. The push for regulation, seen as a consumer protection measure, could make New York one of the states leading in kratom safety, aligning with the positive outcomes seen in regions with regulated kratom markets.

Read the full article on Times Union for more insights into the ongoing debate and legislative efforts surrounding kratom in New York.

In an effort to regulate substances within its jurisdiction, Newport Beach City Council has passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale and distribution of kratom, a decision that reflects the city’s commitment to public health and safety. Kratom, a tropical evergreen tree related to the coffee family and native to Southeast Asia, has been used for over a century in some societies as herbal medicine. Despite its popularity in the U.S. for pain relief and self-treatment of various conditions, the substance faces scrutiny due to concerns over safety and the lack of FDA approval.

This move by Newport Beach, highlighted in a recent Los Angeles Times article, is part of a broader discussion on the substance’s legality and safety. With an estimated 1.7 million Americans over 12 using kratom, the debate continues on its risks and benefits. Newport Beach’s ordinance signals a cautious approach, prioritizing community health over the availability of unregulated substances.

In response to a Tampa Bay Times investigation, which revealed hundreds of fatal overdoses linked to kratom in Florida, U.S. Representative Kathy Castor is calling for a congressional hearing on the substance. Kratom, a psychoactive plant, remains largely unregulated, raising concerns over its safety. Castor’s initiative aims to gather expert testimony and FDA insights to guide legislative action. Despite the push for a hearing, kratom continues to fuel a billion-dollar industry, largely evading government oversight. Meanwhile, states like Florida and Georgia consider stricter regulations to mitigate risks. The debate intensifies as kratom’s popularity grows, highlighting the urgent need for informed policy decisions.

Kentucky is taking significant steps towards the regulation of kratom, a natural substance that has sparked both interest and concern across the United States. The Kentucky Legislature is currently considering a bill aimed at regulating the sale of kratom, ensuring consumer safety without imposing a complete ban. This move reflects a growing awareness of the need to balance the potential benefits of kratom, often used for pain relief and opioid withdrawal, against the risks associated with its misuse.

The proposed legislation seeks to establish clear guidelines for the sale and distribution of kratom, aiming to protect consumers from potentially harmful adulterated products while preserving access to the herb for those who benefit from its use. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it represents a critical moment for kratom regulation in Kentucky and potentially sets a precedent for other states grappling with similar issues.

For more detailed information, read the full article on Laker Country.

In a significant event that could shape the future of kratom, the Leaf Kratom Coalition recently hosted a symposium, bringing together global experts to delve into the botanical’s scientific research, regulatory challenges, and consumer safety. The detailed recap by WRAL highlights the symposium’s focus on fostering collaboration across various sectors to ensure kratom’s responsible use and maximize its therapeutic benefits. Key discussions centered on the need for comprehensive research and a balanced approach to kratom policy and regulation. This event marks a pivotal step towards integrating traditional botanicals like kratom into modern healthcare frameworks, emphasizing the importance of informed dialogue and policy-making in navigating kratom’s complex landscape.

The Kentucky Legislature is currently reviewing a bill aimed at regulating the sale of kratom, a substance commonly found in gas stations and convenience stores. The proposed legislation seeks to introduce measures that ensure the safety and quality of kratom products available to consumers. This initiative reflects growing concerns over the unregulated nature of kratom sales and its potential impact on public health. By establishing regulatory guidelines, Kentucky lawmakers aim to protect consumers while allowing for the responsible use of kratom. The bill’s progression through the legislature marks a significant step towards addressing the complexities associated with the sale of such substances. As the debate continues, stakeholders from various sectors are closely monitoring the developments. For more detailed information on the bill and its implications, visit Laker Country.

In a recent Tampa Bay Times investigative series, the spotlight was cast on the kratom industry, revealing significant concerns that necessitate urgent regulatory action to safeguard consumers. Paula Brown, a seasoned researcher in herbal supplements, including kratom, contributed to the series, emphasizing the diversity in kratom products—from traditional leaves to potent extracts—and the consequent variability in their safety and effects.

The series underscores a crucial message: not all kratom products are created equal. While kratom in its natural form may offer benefits like pain relief and mood elevation, the production of highly concentrated extracts poses unpredictable risks. This distinction is vital, as the altered chemical composition of extracts can lead to unsafe outcomes, a fact often obscured by inadequate product labeling.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) holds the authority to regulate dietary supplements under the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA), which includes kratom. However, the series suggests that more proactive enforcement of labeling requirements and restrictions on extract potency could significantly benefit consumer safety. Moreover, clear warnings against combining kratom with other substances are essential, given the increased risk of serious harm or death when kratom is used with other drugs.

Florida’s recent legislation imposing a minimum age for kratom purchase is a step in the right direction, avoiding an outright ban that would eliminate both beneficial and harmful products. Yet, as Brown and the Tampa Bay Times series argue, it’s time for state and federal agencies to leverage their regulatory powers more effectively to ensure consumer protection in the kratom market. For more insights, read the full article on Tampa Bay Times.

Nebraska lawmakers are currently deliberating a pivotal bill that seeks to place kratom under state control by classifying it as a regulated substance. This legislative effort reflects a growing concern over the substance’s safety and its increasing popularity across the nation. The bill, if passed, would mark a significant shift in how kratom is managed in the state, potentially setting a precedent for other states grappling with similar regulatory challenges.

The details of this legislative push, as reported by the Unicameral Update, indicate Nebraska’s proactive stance in addressing the complexities associated with kratom. This plant, indigenous to Southeast Asia, has been at the center of a heated debate due to its opioid-like properties and the absence of a unified regulatory framework.

As the debate unfolds in Nebraska, the implications of this bill could extend well beyond state borders, influencing national discussions on the need for standardized regulation of kratom. This legislative move highlights the delicate balance between ensuring public safety and recognizing the potential benefits of kratom, amidst ongoing debates among researchers, legislators, and consumers.

Kratom, a substance known for its stimulant and opioid-like effects, is witnessing a surge in popularity in Florida. This trend comes despite its controversial legal status in various states across the country. As reported by Local 10 News, kratom has joined the ranks of age-restricted products in Florida, aligning it with alcohol, cigarettes, and lottery tickets. The growing interest in kratom highlights the ongoing debate surrounding its use and regulation. While some advocate for its potential benefits, others express concerns over its safety and potential for misuse. Florida’s stance on kratom reflects a broader conversation about the balance between consumer freedom and public health.

Nearly a decade has passed since Sarasota County, Florida, became the first and only county in the state to ban Kratom, a Southeast Asian tea leaf known for its stimulating effects. This controversial decision, made by the Sarasota County Commission in 2014, labeled Kratom as a “designer drug.” The ban came amidst growing popularity of Kratom in the United States, where it’s estimated that 11 to 15 million Americans regularly consume it.

Kratom, a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, produces stimulating effects at low doses and sedative effects at high doses. Its leaves contain psychoactive ingredients, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymytragynine. Despite its traditional use in Southeast Asia, concerns have been raised about its safety. In 2016, the DEA temporarily listed Kratom as a Schedule I drug but later reclassified it as a “drug of concern.”

The ban in Sarasota County imposes a fine or a second-degree misdemeanor charge for users, and stores caught selling Kratom face fines or probation. This move reflects ongoing debates over Kratom’s safety and efficacy, especially considering the Tampa Bay Times investigation that found over 580 kratom-related overdose deaths in Florida over the past decade.

For more details on this story, visit the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

In an intriguing legal case from Harrison County, a man’s use of Kratom, a natural substance derived from a Southeast Asian tree, resulted in a two-week jail sentence. This incident, reported by WV News, highlights the complex and often contentious legal status of Kratom in the United States.

The man, on probation, was explicitly prohibited from using Kratom. However, his non-compliance with these terms led to his incarceration. This case brings to light the ongoing debate surrounding Kratom, which is often used for its psychoactive properties. While it’s legal in some parts of the country, its status remains a grey area in others, leading to legal challenges and confusion for users.

This incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for clearer regulations and public awareness regarding the legal implications of Kratom use, especially for individuals under legal supervision.

The American Kratom Association (AKA) has recently stepped up to demand that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) take regulatory action on kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia. Currently, in the U.S., kratom is not officially regulated as a drug, dietary supplement, or food additive, despite its widespread availability. The AKA has raised concerns over the FDA’s generalized treatment of all kratom products, which they argue leaves consumers without proper guidance in a market that can be confusing and unsafe. The association is pushing for the FDA to step in and provide regulations that would help consumers distinguish between safe and potentially harmful kratom products, highlighting the importance of consumer safety in this expanding market. To delve deeper into this development, visit the original article on Food Safety News.