Plaintiff's attorney critiques Georgia's proposed kratom regulation bill

In a recent government meeting focused on agriculture and consumer affairs, a plaintiff's attorney raised urgent concerns about the regulation of kratom, a substance linked to numerous health risks. Speaking passionately, the attorney, who represents families affected by kratom-related fatalities, emphasized the need for stricter oversight of this controversial product.

Kratom, derived from a tree native to Southeast Asia, is often processed into a powder and sold in various forms, including tinctures and capsules. The attorney highlighted the dual nature of kratom's effects: in small doses, it acts as a stimulant, while in larger amounts, it mimics opioids. This duality has led to serious health complications, with the attorney noting that many of the cases he handles involve individuals who were unaware they were consuming a potentially lethal substance.

While the attorney expressed support for the idea of kratom regulation, he criticized specific provisions in the proposed bill. He argued that the language surrounding the registration of kratom processors should be tightened to prevent loopholes that could allow unregulated sales. For instance, he suggested removing qualifiers that limit registration to products intended for end consumers, as this could enable bulk shipments to bypass regulations.

Additionally, he called for clarity regarding the safety assurances that processors must provide about their products. The attorney pointed out that many manufacturers overseas cannot guarantee the safety of kratom processing, which raises concerns about consumer safety in Georgia.

As the meeting concluded, the attorney's testimony underscored the pressing need for comprehensive regulation of kratom to protect consumers from its dangers. With over 30 cases already in his portfolio, he urged lawmakers to consider the implications of their decisions carefully, emphasizing that the health and safety of Georgians are at stake. The discussion around kratom regulation is set to continue, as stakeholders seek to balance consumer access with necessary safety measures.