Illinois is emerging as a key battleground in the national fight over how to handle kratom, an herbal product derived from a Southeast Asian tree and sold in everything from powders to gummies. Advocates say it can ease pain and help people taper off opioids, but federal regulators warn of risks, especially when kratom is mixed with other substances.
One bill would classify kratom’s active compounds as Schedule III controlled substances, while another would keep it legal but raise the purchase age to 21, require lab testing and clearer labeling, and add a 5 percent tax on sales.
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