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Kratom debate puts Connecticut regulators, advocates on opposite sides
Summary
Lawmakers heard dueling testimony on whether to add kratom and certain synthetic alkaloids to the state controlled‑substances list. Supporters urged a ban on adulterated, high‑potency formulations marketed to children; opponents, including industry groups and some scientists, urged regulated access with age limits and product testing instead.
Connecticut lawmakers on Feb. 14 heard sharply divided testimony about whether kratom — a botanical commonly sold as a dietary product — should be added to the state’s controlled‑substances list.
The nut graf Supporters of scheduling kratom told the General Law Committee that adulterated or synthetically modified products are being sold in convenience stores and marketed to children, and urged the committee to adopt DCP’s proposed language. Opponents including industry groups and scientists urged Connecticut to instead regulate quality, ban synthetics and establish age limits to keep products out of minors’ hands without forcing consumers onto illicit markets.
What supporters told the committee Representative Mara,…
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