The New York State Legislature has approved a bill that would usher in a new era of kratom regulation—focused not on prohibition, but on harm reduction and public health oversight. “A lot of times making things illegal doesn’t solve the problem, as we know,” said New York Assembly co-sponsor Phil Steck, who chairs the Committee …
New York Legislature Sends Kratom Bill to Governors’ Desk Read More »
In a historic move, Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee has signed The Rhode Island Kratom Act. Kratom will be legalized and regulated in Rhode Island. Kratom has been illegal in the state since 2017. The new act takes effect on April 1, 2026. “This marks the first time in U.S. history that a state has …
In the tradition of Reefer Madness, LSD window-jumpers, and bath salt zombies, the media has conjured up a new ghoul: the kratom-fueled self-castrator. The phrase “based on a true story” has never been more fitting. Triggered by a case report published in a medical journal in January 2024, recent clickbait media stories describe a deranged …
Man Cuts Off Penis During Psychotic Episode; Media Blames Kratom Read More »
A bill signed by Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont on June 25 will schedule kratom as a controlled substance in Connecticut. Regardless of the schedule assigned, kratom will be illegal to freely sell, buy, and possess in the state. Section 4 of the bill instructs the Commissioner of Consumer Protection Bryan T. Cafferelli to schedule a …
Rhode Island House Bill 5565, and its companion Senate Bill 792. “The Rhode Island Kratom Act” is on the governor’s desk. The bill will legalize and regulate kratom in Rhode Island, which outlawed kratom in 2017. One of the bill’s sponsors, Rep. John G. Edwards, said, “Kratom, which is used by about 15 million Americans, …
Rhode Island Kratom Legalization Bill on Governor’s Desk Read More »
Thailand has announced funding for 33 new research and development projects for kratom. The National Herbal Medicines Policy Committee has listed the traditional plant as a “herb of the year” for 2025. Along with phlai and black ginger, special consideration will be given to promote kratom for export and for use in wellness centers and …
Thailand Launches 33 New Research and Development Projects for Kratom Read More »
In another stunning turn of events similar to Connecticut, an amendment has been added to a North Carolina hemp regulation bill that will ban kratom. The bill, House Bill 328: “Regulate Hemp-Derived Consumables”, was introduced in March and initially would have prohibited the sale of hemp products to minors and placed additional regulations on the …
Disclaimer: Preclinical studies on compounds’ effects on test animals do not always demonstrate exactly how compounds will affect humans A new study in rats examined the respiratory effects of mitragyinine (MG), considered the main compound in most kratom leaves consumed by users, and 7-hydroxymitragyinine (7-HMG) that occurs in very trace amounts in dried kratom leaf …
On June 5, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed SB154 into law, which will officially make kratom a Schedule I substance starting August 1, 2025. Louisiana has extremely draconian laws regarding Schedule I substances. Conviction for possession can result in 4 to 10 years of imprisonment (with or without hard labor) and fines up to $5,000. …
LOUISIANA BANS KRATOM: World Incarceration Leader Criminalizes 325,000 More Citizens Read More »
CORRECTION: The governor of Connecticut has 15 days to sign or veto a bill. In the case of HB6855, that would be June 19. Three state prohibition bills are sitting on governors’ desks awaiting a signature or veto. In Louisiana, SB154 will make kratom a Schedule I drug, criminalizing all kratom consumers. In Connecticut, an …
Deadlines to Sign/Veto Prohibition Bills in Louisiana, Connecticut, and Texas Read More »