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Kratom debate divides panel: medical advocates, veterans and small businesses oppose a ban; affected families and clinicians urge prohibition or regulation
Summary
Witnesses for and against state bans on kratom testified to the Joint Committee on the Judiciary. Pro‑ban witnesses described health harms, addiction and deaths linked to adulterated products. Opponents urged regulation through a consumer‑protection act, citing recovery stories and potential to substitute for opioids.
The Joint Committee on the Judiciary received extensive and divided testimony on several bills concerning kratom, including proposals to ban sales statewide and proposals to regulate the product through a Kratom Consumer Protection Act.
Opponents of a ban — including the American Kratom Association, clinicians, veterans’ groups and small business owners who operate kava/kratom cafes — argued that unadulterated kratom helps people with pain and supports recovery from opioids. Matt Caddo of the American Kratom Association told the committee federal attempts to schedule kratom were rejected…
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