Current Events

Arkansas Kratom Debate: A Bill Rejected, A Death in Custody, and Calls for Reform

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The debate over kratom legalization in Arkansas has reached a boiling point, with advocates pushing for reform and lawmakers pushing back. The latest attempt to lift the state’s ban on kratom has failed in the House committee after initially passing the Senate with overwhelming support. The bill, known as the “Arkansas Kratom Consumer Protection Act,” …

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Rhode Island’s Kratom Ban Faces Legislative Challenge

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Rhode Island lawmakers are once again debating the fate of kratom, a controversial herbal substance that has been criminalized in the state since 2017. Two companion bills—H5565 in the House and S0792 in the Senate, collectively known as The Rhode Island Kratom Act—aim to legalize and regulate kratom, replacing outright prohibition with strict oversight. A …

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Mississippi Governor Faces Decision on Controversial Kratom Tax

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JACKSON, Miss.—A bill awaiting the signature of Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves could impose a sweeping 25% tax on kratom products statewide, sparking debate among consumers, advocates, and lawmakers. House Bill 1896, if signed into law, would levy a tax on kratom that surpasses the state’s tobacco tax by 10%. Tobacco, the leading cause of preventable …

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Alabama’s Harsh Stance on Kratom: Arrests Near Florida Border Raise Questions

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In the border towns between Alabama and Florida, a troubling pattern is emerging. Alabama law enforcement continues to aggressively arrest individuals for possession of kratom, a botanical that remains legal just across the state line. Critics argue that police tactics in these cases are questionable, with individuals facing extreme charges and draconian penalties under Alabama’s …

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Arkansas Weighs Kratom Legalization Amid Calls for Reform

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LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—A bipartisan effort is underway in Arkansas to legalize and regulate kratom, a plant-based substance often used for pain relief and as an alternative to opioids. If successful, the bill could overturn a decade-long ban on the substance and introduce safeguards for consumers. Senate Bill 534, co-sponsored by Democratic State Senator Greg Leding …

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Johns Hopkins Seeks Participants for Online Study on 7-OH Kratom Products

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The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is conducting a groundbreaking online study on 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a compound associated with certain kratom products. The study invites individuals who have consumed 7-OH products to participate by completing a screening process and, if eligible, an online survey about their usage patterns. As a thank-you, participants who complete …

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Nebraska Could Set Precedent for Kratom Laws Nationwide

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Lincoln, Nebraska – A battle is brewing in the heartland over the fate of kratom, a controversial plant around the globe. Here in Nebraska’s unique unicameral legislature, two starkly different bills have been introduced, leaving the future of kratom hanging in the balance. Senator Loren Lippincott, a staunch conservative Republican, has put forward a bill …

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New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners Endorses Kratom Regulation Over Ban

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In a significant move, the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners (BME) has unanimously voted to endorse the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) bill, S1476. This decision comes amidst ongoing debates over another bill, S3359, which seeks to criminalize kratom consumers by placing kratom on New Jersey’s list of controlled substances. “This is an …

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University of Florida Introduces Groundbreaking Kratom Course for Pharmacists

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GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida, renowned for its leadership in kratom research, has launched a pioneering continuing education course for pharmacists titled “Kratom as a Popular Product for Self-Treatment: An Overview for Pharmacists.” Approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy, this online course aims to arm pharmacists with essential knowledge to counsel consumers …

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