In a significant setback for kratom advocates, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has vetoed a bill that would have legalized the herbal substance. The Kratom Consumer Protection Act had successfully passed both the House and Senate, but faced strong opposition from the state’s healthcare community and Attorney General Peter Neronha. Critics argue that kratom is addictive and lacks sufficient research and regulation. Governor McKee echoed these concerns, stating his decision was influenced by the overwhelming opposition from multiple state agencies and the medical community.
Despite the setback, State Representative Jay Edwards, a proponent of the bill, expressed disappointment but vowed to continue efforts to legalize kratom in the future. Meanwhile, Mac Haddow from the American Kratom Association criticized the veto as a “tragic outcome,” asserting that Rhode Islanders are being denied access to a potentially safe substance when properly regulated. For more details, you can read the full article on WPRI.