Chamber approves bill to classify kratom as a Schedule I substance
Summary
Lawmakers voted to add kratom to Schedule I under state law, with proponents citing addictive effects and opponents raising questions about medical uses and federal attempts; the chamber passed the measure after debate.
The chamber considered a bill to amend state law relating to food, drugs, cosmetics and poisons to reclassify kratom to Schedule I. Proponent Isabella Fagioli (reading on behalf of House member Phoebe Gant) said kratom is widely available in stores and can act on the brain similarly to opioids and is more addictive, arguing for stricter controls.
Delegates asked about penalties and whether kratom has medical uses; proponents said scheduling would allow rescheduling if medical uses are later verified. Several delegates cited other states that already restrict kratom and described personal or family harms attributable to kratom use. Opponents noted the DEA previously tried a temporary federal scheduling that did not prevail; proponents replied that state action is separate.
After personal debate time and a series of exchanges, the chamber moved to vote and the chair announced the bill "clearly passes." The transcript does not include a detailed roll-call tally in the passage announcement.
What this means: Kratom will be moved into a more restricted schedule under the state drug code; the transcript does not include enforcement details or fiscal estimates.
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