The Fight for Botanicals

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has once again cautioned consumers about the potential dangers associated with kratom use. Kratom, a plant-based substance often marketed for its purported benefits in managing pain and opioid withdrawal, is under scrutiny for its risk of serious adverse effects.

The FDA highlights that kratom has not been approved for any medical use and poses significant health risks, including liver toxicity, seizures, and dependency. The agency emphasizes that kratom products, often sold as dietary supplements, have not undergone rigorous safety evaluations, leading to concerns about their purity and consistency.

Consumers are urged to avoid using kratom and seek alternative treatments that are FDA-approved and clinically tested. For more detailed information on the FDA’s stance and ongoing regulatory efforts, visit the original announcement on the FDA website.

In response to growing safety concerns over kratom, Assemblymember Matt Haney from San Francisco has introduced Assembly Bill 2365, known as the Kratom Safety Act. This new legislation aims to tighten regulations on the sale of kratom in California, focusing on product purity and consumer safety. The bill proposes banning the sale of adulterated kratom products, requires rigorous testing, registration with the California Department of Public Health, and restricts sales to those over 21. As the popularity of this herbal supplement increases, California seeks to set a standard in regulating its use to prevent health risks associated with unregulated products. Read more about the initiative on CBS San Francisco.

West Virginia has introduced new regulations governing the distribution and sale of kratom and hemp-derived cannabinoid products. As detailed in recent legislation, the state has designated the Commissioner of Agriculture and the WV Alcohol Beverage Control Administration Commissioner to oversee these substances. The bill, Senate Bill 679, promotes increased collaboration and information sharing among state authorities to ensure consumer safety. This move is part of a broader effort to standardize the safety measures for these products at the retail level, addressing potential risks and ensuring compliance with state laws. West Virginia’s proactive approach aims to safeguard public health while accommodating the growing popularity of these natural and therapeutic products.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has signed into law House Bill 181, which imposes new restrictions on the purchase of kratom. The new legislation, which you can read about in detail here, increases the legal purchasing age from 18 to 21 and introduces stringent labeling requirements. This law, effective from January 1, 2025, aims to enhance consumer safety and ensure transparency in the marketing and sale of kratom in Georgia. It outlines severe penalties for non-compliance, with processors facing possible felonies and fines up to $100,000. This move reflects growing concerns about the potential risks associated with kratom, which can act as a stimulant in small doses and produce opioid-like effects at higher doses.

In California, the unregulated sale of kratom, an herbal substance with both stimulant and sedative effects, has raised concerns among both advocates and critics. As reported in the Los Angeles Times, Assemblymember Matt Haney is spearheading efforts to impose regulations on kratom through Assembly Bill 2365. This proposed legislation would require kratom products to be registered, mandate labeling of alkaloid content, and set age restrictions for purchasing. With no current federal approval for kratom as a dietary supplement, the state’s initiative seeks to safeguard consumers by ensuring product consistency and preventing underage access. This move could set a precedent for other states grappling with the regulation of this widely used yet controversial plant.

In a significant shift, Thailand has recently legalized the Kratom plant (Mitragyna speciosa), opening doors to extensive research and application of this traditional remedy. According to a recent study conducted by Chulalongkorn University, as reported by Nation Thailand, kratom exhibits promising pain relief, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification benefits. This move is part of Thailand’s broader initiative to integrate natural and locally sourced solutions into healthcare. Researchers are now focusing on validating centuries-old local wisdom that harnessed kratom’s therapeutic properties, which could lead to more natural treatment options available to the public.

Maryland is poised to join the ranks as the 13th state to enact a Kratom consumer protection act, pending the signature of Governor Wes Moore. This significant move by the Maryland Legislature aims to safeguard consumers by regulating the kratom industry within the state, marking a pivotal moment in the ongoing discourse surrounding the botanical substance. Kratom, known for its pain-relieving and mood-enhancing effects, has been at the center of controversy due to concerns over its safety and potential for abuse. The legislation represents a balanced approach to addressing these concerns while ensuring that consumers have access to safe kratom products. For more details on this developing story, read the full article on Law360.

The burgeoning popularity of Kratom in the United States, particularly in Florida, has led the Global Kratom Coalition, under the leadership of executive director Matthew Lowe, to advocate for the regulation of this mood-altering herb. Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has been lauded for its potential to ease anxiety, depression, and assist in opioid addiction recovery. However, its critics warn of its habit-forming nature and potential for addiction, with medical examiners linking it to hundreds of deaths over the past decade.

Despite these concerns, Kratom remains unregulated by the FDA, and while the DEA has marked it as a Drug and Chemical of Concern, no steps have been taken to schedule the herb or its active compounds officially. Lowe describes the current Kratom market in the U.S. as akin to the “wild, wild west,” a situation he believes needs urgent reform. The coalition, formed six months ago, aims to bridge the gap in public education and misinformation surrounding Kratom, advocating for government regulation to ensure product safety and accurate labeling.

Florida is among approximately ten states that have enacted laws regulating some aspects of Kratom, signifying a move toward Lowe’s vision of a safer and more informed marketplace for Kratom consumers.

For more insights into the coalition’s efforts and the full conversation with Matthew Lowe, visit WMNF.

In an unprecedented move, Florida lawmakers are pushing forward with legislation to regulate the potency of kratom, a popular but controversial herbal supplement. The bill, SB 842, seeks to introduce dosage recommendations and labeling requirements for kratom products sold throughout the state. Championed by Sen. Keith Perry, the legislation aims to address growing concerns over kratom’s safety and its unregulated market. This initiative follows the state’s decision last year to restrict kratom sales to individuals younger than 21. The full report on AOL.com highlights the bill’s proposals, including limits on specific alkaloid content in kratom products, reflecting a significant step toward statewide regulation. With kratom’s effects ranging from stimulant to sedative based on dosage, the move underscores Florida’s cautious approach amidst debates over the substance’s benefits and risks.

In New York, kratom, a herbal substance praised for its pain and anxiety relief capabilities, currently lacks regulation, posing risks due to potential contamination. With an estimated 1.7 million American users, concerns around kratom’s safety have prompted state legislators to consider a bill advocating for stringent testing for contaminants. Tracey Hudson, a kratom seller in Schenectady, emphasizes the necessity of regulation to enhance consumer trust and ensure product purity.

Kratom, derived from a Southeast Asian tree, has historically been used as alternative medicine but faces scrutiny in the U.S. for its unregulated status. The proposed bill, backed by Assemblywoman Donna A. Lupardo, aims to protect consumers by mandating kratom product testing, inspired by local healthcare professionals’ concerns over contaminated supplies.

Despite federal warnings about potential health risks, including liver disease and addiction, users like Bud Smith advocate for kratom’s life-changing benefits in managing anxiety and withdrawal symptoms. The push for regulation, seen as a consumer protection measure, could make New York one of the states leading in kratom safety, aligning with the positive outcomes seen in regions with regulated kratom markets.

Read the full article on Times Union for more insights into the ongoing debate and legislative efforts surrounding kratom in New York.

In an effort to regulate substances within its jurisdiction, Newport Beach City Council has passed an ordinance prohibiting the sale and distribution of kratom, a decision that reflects the city’s commitment to public health and safety. Kratom, a tropical evergreen tree related to the coffee family and native to Southeast Asia, has been used for over a century in some societies as herbal medicine. Despite its popularity in the U.S. for pain relief and self-treatment of various conditions, the substance faces scrutiny due to concerns over safety and the lack of FDA approval.

This move by Newport Beach, highlighted in a recent Los Angeles Times article, is part of a broader discussion on the substance’s legality and safety. With an estimated 1.7 million Americans over 12 using kratom, the debate continues on its risks and benefits. Newport Beach’s ordinance signals a cautious approach, prioritizing community health over the availability of unregulated substances.