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Montana committee backs study to separate natural kratom from synthetics
Summary
The Senate Business and Labor Committee voted to concur on HJR60, a resolution directing an interim study to distinguish natural kratom products from more potent synthetic derivatives after proponents said harms stem mainly from isolates, not traditional leaf use.
Representative Curtis Schomer asked the Senate Business and Labor Committee to approve House Joint Resolution 60 to study kratom and distinguish natural leaf products from synthetic isolates.
Schomer told the panel that the House had debated kratom extensively and that the committee should “figure out what’s good, what’s bad” before taking policy action. He asked members for a due pass so legislators can examine the issue in the interim.
Several proponents testified in support. Deborah Pitassi, executive director of the Montana Beer and Wine Distributors Association, said the study would help determine whether natural kratom leaf and synthetic products should be treated differently and suggested Montana’s alcoholic‑beverage regulatory framework could be a useful model. “We support the study bill,” Pitassi said, adding that synthetics can have higher potency and cause addiction.
Scott Bollinger of the American Kratom Association urged lawmakers to craft “common sense” rules — age restrictions, labeling and responsible sideboards — and to use the study to prepare for legislation next session.
Isaac Hammer, chief operating officer of Kava Roots in Laurel, said natural kratom has been consumed safely for decades and that much negative attention focuses on potent synthetic isolates. “Natural kratom is beneficial, plant based product,” Hammer said, and the study will help the legislature “differentiate between natural kratom and dangerous synthetics.”
Committee members asked whether kratom has therapeutic value and whether large pharmaceutical companies use it. Hammer said natural kratom is not widely used by ‘‘big pharma’’ but that there are academic and federal studies examining its effects.
Representative Schomer closed by reiterating that the interim study is necessary to learn what the legislature should do and asked for a due pass.
The committee moved to concur on HJR60; the motion passed in executive action and the resolution will be carried to the floor.
