The Rhode Island House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday that would regulate the distribution of kratom, a natural substance used to treat opioid addiction and other conditions.
The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (2024-H 7231Aaa) would ban the adulteration of kratom with a dangerous non-kratom substance as to render the product injurious to a consumer. The act would require that any kratom product contain adequate labeling directions necessary for safe and effective use by consumers.
Violators would face fines of $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent violations.
“Kratom, which is used by about 15 million Americans, is being bought out of state and used by Rhode Islanders,” said Rep. John Edwards, D-Tiverton, who sponsored the legislation. “Given the wide availability of the substance, we want to make sure that the product is safe, unadulterated and not mixed with other substances.”
Kratom, grown primarily in Indonesia, is used by people to overcome opioid addiction, withdrawal, and to treat anxiety, depression and other ailments. While the substance is legal in most states, its use has been increasing rapidly in recent years, and 45 states have laws allowing its distribution and use.
The Rhode Island bill now moves to the state Senate, where similar legislation has been introduced. If passed, Rhode Island would become the 45th state to legalize kratom.
Generative artificial intelligence (AI) assisted a What’sUpNewp journalist with the reporting included in this story.
Good, this is America not communist China, its a plant on the same danger level as Caffeine, it should be legal, available and regulated, its a plant that adults should be able to use if they choose too