The Fight for Botanicals

Two communities in Williamson County, Illinois, have recently updated their local ordinances to restrict the sale and delivery of kratom and its derivatives. The City of Marion and the City of Herrin both approved new measures during city council meetings on May 12, affecting retailers and consumers who purchase kratom products at gas stations and stores.

Kratom, a plant-based product often sold in convenience outlets, has been the subject of ongoing regulatory discussions across the country. The new ordinances reflect a growing trend among local governments to address the sale of kratom at the community level.

For more details on these developments, including official statements from the cities, visit the original report at WSIL-TV’s website.

Colorado lawmakers are moving forward with Senate Bill 72, which would require kratom manufacturers to register their products annually with the Department of Revenue. The bill sets out clear standards for labeling, packaging, and product composition, aiming to promote transparency and consumer safety. Manufacturers must pay annual fees, provide proof of federal registration, and comply with state requirements.

Penalties for non-compliance can include fines and, for repeat violations, temporary bans from the Colorado market. The legislation also allows local governments to adopt stricter rules if they choose. Supporters say these measures will help ensure the integrity of kratom products as the industry grows in Colorado.

Mississippi is set to implement new regulations on kratom, with House Bill 1077 awaiting the governor’s signature. If signed, the law will prohibit the sale of kratom products to anyone under 21 starting July 1, 2025. The legislation also bans synthetic kratom and caps product potency, while preserving the right of counties and cities to enact their own bans.

Local business owners, such as Scott Carmichael in Jones County, have expressed concerns about the economic impact, noting that customers often travel to neighboring areas where kratom remains legal. The new law will require retailers to check IDs much like with alcohol and tobacco, aiming to keep kratom out of the hands of minors. For more on the evolving landscape of regulating kratom in Mississippi, see the original report.

The North Dakota Senate has decided to pause on regulating kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia known for its use as an energy booster and pain management aid. Instead, lawmakers voted 31-15 to convert House Bill 1566 into a call for a legislative study on kratom’s uses and potential regulations. The bill, which previously proposed direct regulation, will now return to the House for further consideration.

The decision reflects ongoing debates in the legislature, with some members advocating for more information before enacting new rules. Senator Jeff Magrum, who sponsored the amendment, emphasized the need for a deeper understanding of kratom before moving forward. The study will examine both the benefits and regulatory considerations for kratom products, which remain widely available to consumers, particularly online.

For more details, see the coverage at Knox Radio.

The Tennessee legislature has advanced House Joint Resolution 147, a measure advocating for a statewide ban on kratom, a plant-based supplement often marketed for pain relief and stress management. The resolution, championed by State Representative Esther Helton-Haynes of East Ridge, calls for strict legislation to limit kratom’s availability in Tennessee. Helton-Haynes cited a recent case involving a Chattanooga man whose death was reportedly linked to an interaction between kratom and prescription medication.

Kratom, which is advertised for its opioid- and stimulant-like effects, remains legal in many states but is listed as a “drug and chemical of concern” by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. The resolution now heads to the Senate and, if approved, will move to Governor Bill Lee’s desk for consideration. For more details, see the original article on MSN News.

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.

The Texas State Senate is currently reviewing Senate Bill 1868, which, if passed, would ban the sale of kratom in the state. Kratom, derived from a Southeast Asian tree, has gained popularity for its potential to relieve pain, anxiety, and depression.

Proponents of kratom argue that the plant offers a natural alternative to prescription medications, particularly opioids, for managing chronic pain. Some studies suggest kratom may have a lower risk of addiction and fewer side effects than traditional painkillers. Many people who struggle with opioid addiction find kratom helpful in managing withdrawal symptoms and reducing cravings.

Despite these potential benefits, concerns persist regarding the safety and regulation of kratom products, which has fueled the proposed ban. For more information on the bill and the debate surrounding kratom, you can read the full article on MSN.

The town of Dracut has moved to ban kratom, an herbal supplement with a growing base of supporters who tout its potential benefits for pain relief, energy, and overall well-being. The decision, made during a recent Board of Selectmen meeting, reflects concerns from some officials about the substance’s safety. However, many advocates argue that kratom is a misunderstood natural remedy.

Derived from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree, kratom has been used for centuries in traditional medicine. Supporters point out that it offers a natural alternative to prescription painkillers and can assist those seeking relief from chronic conditions. While critics cite concerns about misuse, proponents emphasize the need for regulation rather than outright bans, allowing consumers to access safe and reliable products.

For more on this story, visit The Lowell Sun here.

Montana is grappling with how to regulate kratom, a plant-based substance marketed as a mood and energy enhancer with potential for addiction. With no federal oversight, the state is acting to address supply chain issues and safeguard consumers.

The “Kratom Consumer Protection Act,” drafted by the American Kratom Association, is under consideration in the Montana Legislature. The act seeks to ban sales to those under 18 and limit the products labeled as “kratom” based on the concentration of specific chemical elements. Other states have passed similar industry-supported legislation.

Concerns remain about whether the proposed bill prioritizes public health or commercial interests. According to a report by NBC Montana, the bill’s success depends on the state’s capacity to regulate the industry and the integrity of retailers in product testing and advertising.