Category: Legal News

The New York State Legislature has passed a bill to prohibit the sale of kratom, an herbal substance with both medicinal and addictive properties, to individuals under the age of 21. The move comes amid growing concerns about the potential dangers of kratom, highlighted by the tragic story of Cari Scribner’s son, who died at 27 after becoming addicted to the drug, which he initially used to combat insomnia.

According to Assemblyman John McDonald, kratom is a plant that bears both opioid-like and stimulant effects. Although unregulated by federal agencies, kratom is easily found in drinks and candy-flavored products in convenience stores. The newly passed bill not only restricts sales to those under 21 but also mandates a study of kratom by the New York State Department of Health.

Supporters, including Scribner, hope the measure will save lives and mark a step toward potential broader regulation. The legislation is currently awaiting the governor’s signature. For more detail, see the original story by Jamie DeLine at MSN.

New York State is poised to introduce stricter regulations on kratom, a herbal supplement commonly used for pain relief and anxiety, as new legislation awaits the governor’s approval. The proposed laws, which have already cleared both legislative chambers, aim to address growing concerns about kratom’s safety, especially following the loss of Nick Scribner, whose mother has become a vocal advocate for reform.

The legislation, championed by Assembly members Mary Beth Walsh and Phil Steck, would require manufacturers to display warning labels on kratom products and prohibit them from being marketed as “all-natural.” The new rules would also restrict sales to individuals aged 21 and over.

Assemblyman Steck emphasized the importance of clear labeling, citing the FDA’s warnings about kratom’s risks. Meanwhile, advocacy groups like the Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust have applauded New York’s proactive approach, calling it a model for consumer protection and harm reduction. Read more at CBS6 Albany.

North Carolina lawmakers are advancing legislation that would make kratom a controlled substance, aligning it with the state’s drug laws. The Senate bill, scheduled for a vote this week, aims to curb youth access to hemp, THC, and kratom products, citing concerns about their unregulated sale and potential health risks to minors. While the House has passed a version that would only ban synthetic kratom and regulate natural forms, the Senate proposal could treat all kratom similarly to marijuana, drawing criticism from industry advocates. Walker Gallman of the Global Kratom Coalition urged lawmakers to distinguish between natural and synthetic kratom, warning that a broad ban could deny access to those seeking natural relief. The debate highlights ongoing uncertainty over how best to regulate emerging substances. Read more at WUNC.

The Rhode Island House of Representatives has passed a revised bill to legalize and regulate kratom, a psychoactive herb derived from an Indonesian tree, as the state seeks new revenue sources during a budget crunch. The measure, known as the Rhode Island Kratom Act (H5566A), was approved on May 29 by a 40-23 vote and now awaits Senate consideration.

Unlike last year’s version—vetoed by Governor Dan McKee—the new bill includes a 15% tax on kratom products and requires retailers to obtain licenses from the Department of Health. While the Rhode Island Medical Society remains opposed, key state agencies have adopted a neutral stance, reflecting a broader compromise. Supporters argue regulation will curb black market sales and ensure product safety, though medical concerns about kratom’s risks persist. The bill’s fate now rests with the Senate and, ultimately, the governor’s review. For more details, see the original article in the Providence Journal.

Colorado lawmakers have passed a bill that would impose stricter regulations on kratom, an herbal supplement gaining popularity across the U.S. The legislation, known as Senate Bill 72, is named after Daniel Bregger, a Denver resident who died in 2021 after consuming kratom and diphenhydramine. If signed into law, the bill would require enhanced labeling, restrict sales to individuals under 21, and set limits on the potent compound 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) found in kratom products.

Supporters say these measures will help prevent further tragedies and inform consumers, while industry groups argue the bill’s limits are unclear and could create confusion in the market. The bill’s unusual path to passage included a rare “super motion” to fast-track it through the legislature. Governor Jared Polis has until June 6 to decide whether to sign or veto the measure. For more details, see the full report on Colorado’s kratom regulation efforts in The Denver Post.

Nebraska lawmakers have approved the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (LB 230), introducing sweeping new standards for the sale and marketing of kratom products across the state. Signed into law after strong advocacy from the Global Kratom Coalition and other stakeholders, the legislation aims to ensure the safety of consumers while preserving access to natural kratom.

Key measures in the new law include restricting kratom sales to those aged 21 and over, banning advertising targeted at minors, and mandating clear warnings for pregnant or breastfeeding women. Notably, the Act imposes a strict cap on the amount of 7-hydroxymitragynine—a powerful alkaloid—permitted in kratom products, directly addressing concerns over synthetic versions that have emerged nationwide.

Supporters praise Nebraska’s approach as a balanced model that protects public health without banning kratom outright. The Global Kratom Coalition urges other states to consider similar, science-based regulations.
Read the full story here.

South Carolina has joined a growing list of states regulating kratom, with the Governor signing the Kratom Consumer Protection Act into law on May 13, 2025. This legislation establishes important safeguards, including prohibiting the sale of kratom to anyone under 21 and requiring manufacturers to provide clear, accurate labeling on all kratom products. The new law aims to enhance consumer safety and transparency in the marketplace. South Carolina’s decision is especially significant given past efforts to ban or criminalize kratom in the state. Supporters believe this move represents meaningful progress for responsible kratom use and consumer protection. For further information, see the official announcement from the American Kratom Association here.

A new bill introduced in Florida aims to tighten regulations on the sale of kratom, a herbal supplement derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree. The proposed legislation would raise the minimum purchasing age from 21 to 24 and mandate that kratom products meet stringent labeling and quality standards. Retailers caught violating these rules could face fines of up to $500 per infraction.

Supporters of the bill argue that enhanced oversight is necessary to ensure consumer safety, given concerns about inconsistent product quality and potential misuse. However, critics worry that the proposed changes could unfairly burden small businesses and restrict access for responsible adult consumers.

Kratom has gained popularity in recent years as a natural remedy for pain and anxiety, but its legal status remains contentious across the U.S. For more details on this developing story, visit MSN.

A Florida Senate committee has advanced a bill aimed at regulating kratom. On Wednesday, the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee voted 8 to 1 in favor of Senate Bill 1734, known as the Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act. If passed, this legislation would establish comprehensive statewide regulations for kratom processing and sales, ensuring consumer safety and product quality. (The Marijuana Herald)

The bill includes strict safety guidelines, prohibiting the addition of non-kratom substances and setting limits on the concentrations of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. It also mandates clear labeling, including ingredients, serving sizes, and potential effects. Sales to individuals under 21 would be prohibited, and all kratom processors would need to register with the FDA and hold the necessary state permits. SB 1734 will now move to the Senate Agriculture, Environment, and General Government Appropriations Committee for further consideration.

With the federal government yet to take definitive action, individual states are increasingly wrestling with how to regulate kratom, a plant-derived substance used by some for pain relief and energy. The Pain News Network reports that states like Montana are considering measures to ban sales to minors and mandate specific product labeling.

The debate around kratom centers on its potential health effects and the risk of addiction. Proponents argue that kratom offers a natural alternative for managing pain, while opponents voice concerns about safety and the lack of standardized regulations. As states navigate these conflicting viewpoints, the future of kratom regulation remains uncertain.

Read the full story on Pain News Network.

Illinois lawmakers have scheduled a public hearing to discuss the “Kratom Consumer Protection Act,” a bill designed to regulate kratom products in the state. The proposed legislation, introduced by Representative Curtis Tarver, includes several key provisions. It would prohibit the sale of kratom to individuals under 21 and ban products that are appealing to children. Additionally, the bill would outlaw the sale of kratom products containing synthesized alkaloids and impose a 5% retail tax statewide. Violations could result in fines of up to $20,000. For more information on the bill and its potential impact, you can refer to similar discussions on kratom regulation. The hearing is a crucial step towards establishing stricter guidelines for kratom in Illinois.

The Missouri House Emerging Issues Committee has unanimously approved the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (HB 1037) with a 13-0 vote, marking a significant step toward regulating kratom products in the state. The bill aims to ensure consumer safety by implementing strict guidelines on labeling, sales, and product contents.

Kratom, a plant-derived substance from Southeast Asia, is often used for pain relief and anxiety management but has faced legal scrutiny due to inconsistent product quality and potency. If passed, HB 1037 would require accurate labeling of alkaloid content, ban sales to individuals under 21, and prohibit adulterated or synthetic kratom products. Violators could face fines or misdemeanor charges, while harmed consumers may pursue legal action.

With bipartisan support, the bill now moves to the full House for further consideration. For more details, visit The Marijuana Herald.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed a new law introducing stricter regulations on the sale and production of kratom, a popular herbal supplement derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree. The legislation, which took effect this month, establishes key consumer safety measures, including an age restriction of 21 years for purchasing kratom, mandatory product labeling standards, and limits on the concentration of active alkaloids in kratom products.

The law aims to address growing concerns about unregulated kratom products while ensuring safe access for consumers. Advocates of the legislation view it as a balanced approach that prioritizes public health without resorting to an outright ban. Georgia joins several other states that have implemented similar regulatory frameworks under the Kratom Consumer Protection Act model.

For more details on Georgia’s new kratom legislation, visit AP News.

North Dakota legislators are debating a controversial bill that could significantly impact the availability of kratom in the state. House Bill 1218, spearheaded by Representative Zachary Ista, proposes classifying kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance. This move would effectively ban the sale and possession of kratom, a plant-based substance originating from Southeast Asia. Proponents of the bill cite public health concerns, pointing to kratom’s potential for abuse and its psychoactive properties. However, the proposal has sparked debate among kratom advocates who argue for its therapeutic benefits in pain management and mood enhancement. As the bill progresses through the legislative process, it has ignited discussions about the balance between public safety and personal freedom in substance regulation.

The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners has endorsed S1476, known as the Kratom Protection Act, marking a significant step towards regulating kratom use in the state. This endorsement comes after careful consideration of scientific evidence and expert testimony. The American Kratom Association (AKA) has applauded this decision, viewing it as a crucial move to ensure consumer safety while preserving access to kratom products.

The proposed legislation aims to establish guidelines for kratom manufacturing, distribution, and sale, including age restrictions and labeling requirements. Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy for the AKA, emphasized the importance of this endorsement in protecting consumers from adulterated or contaminated kratom products. The bill, if passed, would position New Jersey as a leader in kratom regulation, potentially influencing similar legislation in other states.

As of 2024, kratom remains legal in Louisiana, but its future hangs in the balance as lawmakers consider new regulations. The state has seen a tumultuous history with the substance, from banning it in 2016 to later allowing its use under the Louisiana Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Recent legislative efforts, including Senate Bill 94, aim to classify kratom’s active compounds as controlled substances, potentially restricting access. Local parishes have already begun implementing their own bans, signaling a growing trend towards stricter control. Advocates argue for regulation over prohibition, citing kratom’s potential benefits and economic impact on local businesses. As federal agencies like the FDA and DEA influence the debate, consumers and sellers alike are urged to stay informed about ongoing legal developments. For a comprehensive overview of kratom’s legal status in Louisiana, visit Big Easy Magazine’s detailed report.

The Iowa City City Council is considering a potential ban on kratom, a herbal supplement that has sparked controversy due to safety concerns and lack of regulation. Kratom, derived from a Southeast Asian tree, is popular for its pain-relieving and energy-boosting properties, but remains on the FDA’s watch list.

Matthew Lowe of the Global Kratom Coalition argues for responsible use and regulation rather than an outright ban, emphasizing kratom’s benefits when used properly. Meanwhile, Councilmember Megan Alter expressed caution about overregulation without sufficient medical understanding.

The council is still in early stages of discussion, with members conducting individual research before reconvening. Concerns about marketing to minors have been raised, but there’s also hesitation about banning a substance that isn’t illegal. The council plans to revisit the issue in coming weeks as they gather more information.