Mississippi lawmakers have advanced two bills aimed at regulating the sale of kratom, an herbal product widely used for its potential health benefits. House Bill 1077, which has passed both chambers, would raise the minimum purchasing age for kratom to 21 and ban synthetic kratom products. These measures are intended to ensure consumer safety while maintaining access to pure kratom products.
The legislation has garnered mixed reactions. Advocates, such as Christina Dent of End It For Good, praised the approach for balancing regulation with accessibility, emphasizing harm reduction. However, some lawmakers, like Rep. Stacey Hobgood-Wilkes, expressed disappointment that stricter measures—such as classifying kratom as a Schedule III controlled substance—were not adopted.
Additionally, House Bill 1896 proposes a 25% excise tax on kratom products, raising concerns about affordability and the potential for underground markets. Local ordinances banning kratom remain unaffected by these bills, leaving some users worried about inconsistent regulations across the state.