Federal lawmakers have reintroduced the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which aims to regulate kratom products across the United States. The bipartisan bill is sponsored by Senator Mike Lee (R-UT) and is expected to receive support from Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) and others. The legislation, previously known as the Federal Clarity for Kratom Consumers Act, is also sponsored in the House of Representatives by Representatives Mark Pocan (D-WI) and Jack Bergman (R-MI).
The Kratom Consumer Protection Act seeks to ensure consumer access to safe and properly labeled kratom products while preventing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from imposing restrictive regulations on kratom that exceed regulations for food or dietary supplements. The bill would require the FDA to evaluate the health and safety of kratom and prohibit the agency from treating kratom as an adulterated dietary supplement or requiring it to undergo new dietary ingredient notification requirements.
The legislation would also establish a Kratom Research Task Force under the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to coordinate kratom-related research conducted or supported by the federal government. The task force would submit reports to Congress and the HHS secretary on kratom research progress.
Kratom, a natural plant used for various purposes, including managing anxiety, stress, and opioid withdrawal symptoms, has faced regulatory challenges, with the FDA supporting efforts to ban it. Advocates argue that the FDA has misrepresented the risks associated with kratom and that its health hazards are often linked to adulterants found in unregulated products. The proposed legislation aims to provide consumer protections and regulatory clarity for kratom products at the federal level. Several states have already passed their own versions of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act to regulate kratom.
While the previous version of the bill did not advance in Congress, proponents believe that this year’s reintroduction will gain more support and traction. Advocates emphasize that kratom is not a partisan issue but rather a matter of good policy and consumer safety.
The legislation seeks to strike a balance between ensuring access to kratom for responsible and safe use while protecting consumers from the potential risks of unregulated products. It also acknowledges the importance of research into the therapeutic potential of kratom and aims to facilitate evidence-based decisions on its regulation.
By FCCT Editorial Team
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