Florida Lawmaker Advocates for Congressional Hearing on Kratom

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.