Agriculture Department unveils regulatory framework, age limit and labeling rules for kratom in proposed amendment to House Bill 1566

The Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee heard an amendment to House Bill 1566 on kratom that would create a new chapter in the North Dakota Century Code to license and regulate kratom processors and retailers, require product registration and labeling, and prohibit sales to people under 21.

The amendment, presented by Doug Goring, North Dakota agriculture commissioner, would require kratom processors and retailers to disclose the factual basis for labeling a product as a kratom product, register products with the state, obtain annual retail licenses, and comply with limits on adulterants and synthetic alkaloids. Goring said, "Our intent was to come in here neutral. If you tell us to do this, we'll do it. If you tell us no, we won't do it." He told the committee the amendment includes criminal and administrative penalties and an estimated biennial cost to his department of about $580,000 to implement the program with two full‑time staff.

The proposal would ban kratom products mixed with non‑kratom substances that could affect…