A state House committee will hold its first hearing on Tuesday, regarding a bill to regulate the sale and use of a controversial herbal supplement.
The herbal product Kratom has been banned in at least half a dozen states. The US Food and Drug Administration has not outlawed Kratom while it’s being studied, but the agency has warned against its use because it could be addictive. State Representative Lori Stone says kratom should be regulated like marijuana or alcohol.
“We’d like to see it regulated so those that choose to purchase and consume it know what they’re taking, know how to take it, and know potential side effects.”
Stone’s bill would ban the sale of kratom to people younger than 21 and require a warning label that lists possible side effects.
Stone says she thinks a ban would be a mistake because that would drive the market underground.
The bill is before the House Regulatory Reform Committee.
