A new bill in California aims to impose stricter controls on kratom, an herbal substance that mimics opioid effects and is currently sold without regulation in convenience stores and smoke shops. The proposed legislation comes as public health officials and addiction specialists raise alarms about the potential risks associated with kratom use.
According to a recent report by KQED, kratom’s easy availability and its interaction with brain receptors similar to opioids and stimulants have sparked concerns about addiction and abuse. The bill, if passed, would establish age restrictions, mandate proper labeling, and regulate the concentration of kratom’s active compounds in products sold within the state.
Proponents argue that these measures are necessary to protect public health, while critics maintain that kratom offers benefits for pain management and opioid withdrawal. As the debate continues, California lawmakers face the challenge of balancing consumer safety with personal freedom.