In a significant development for kratom advocates, the Rhode Island legislature has passed a bill that could overturn the state’s 2017 ban on the herbal substance. House Bill 5530, a version of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, received approval in both the House and Senate. If signed by the governor, the bill would legalize kratom for consumers over 21 and implement regulations for manufacturers and retailers.
Rhode Island is one of six states that currently prohibit kratom. The American Kratom Association (AKA) has been working to overturn these bans, with progress reported in most states except Alabama. Despite opposition from health officials, the bill’s passage reflects growing support for kratom regulation rather than prohibition. This move aligns with recent efforts to establish a legal framework for kratom use and sales across the United States.