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Health officer warns of kratom risks; Maryland bans sales to under-21s, county monitoring state rules
Summary
Dr. Davis told the Council that kratom carries documented risks—addiction, withdrawal, seizures and liver damage—cited FDA safety warnings and said Maryland recently banned kratom sales to people under 21; county public health will continue monitoring state regulation and enforcement options.
Montgomery County’s health officer described kratom as an emerging public-health concern and outlined the substance’s risks and evolving regulatory status.
"It is addictive. It can cause dependence," Dr. Davis said, summarizing evidence about kratom. She told the Council that low doses of kratom act as a stimulant and high doses as a sedative or opioid and described documented adverse effects including withdrawal, liver damage, seizures and psychosis. Dr. Davis noted the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has issued safety warnings and that several states have banned kratom outright.
Maryland lawmakers recently passed legislation banning the sale of kratom to anyone under age 21 and establishing labeling and marketing restrictions, staff said. Dr. Davis said the county is monitoring state regulatory developments, including age restrictions, testing and labeling requirements, and discussions about enforcement mechanisms. She noted local enforcement approaches will depend on the language of state rules and available funding for underage-purchaser and retail compliance programs.
