Prohibits the sale of kratom to individuals under the age of twenty-one

• Republican17
• Democratic14

◆ The sponsor's argument

Why Patricia Fahy says this is needed

Kratom is an opioid like plant which has a stimulant or opioid-like effect. It is typically sold as tea leaves, powder or pill form for muscle relaxation, to fight fatigue, and as an antidepressant. Despite these many alleged medicinal benefits, the Drug Enforcement Adminis- tration lists it as a drug of concern with no medicinal value. Further- more, the Food and Drug Administration compares kratom to morphine in its risks for addiction, abuse and dependence. Several FDA studies are continuing to evaluate the scientific information on kratom but warns consumers to not use any products containing kratom until it is better understood. According to the Center for Disease Control, kratom was listed as the cause of death for 91 individuals out of 152 who tested positive for kratom between July 2016 and December 2017. This legislation is intended to help keep kratom out of the hands of children and young adults. Under this legislation, a person who sells kratom to individuals under 21 will face up to a $500 fine. Sales of kratom have already been banned in Thailand, Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Vermont, Rhode Island, Washington DC and Wisconsin. Tennessee and Suffolk County also has a ban for sales under 21. New Hampshire and Illinois bans the sale under 18. This bill does not seek an across-the- board ban but is consistent with measures taken with items such as mari- juana. New York needs to protect individuals from this substance by banning the sale of this substance for those under 21.

This is the sponsor's own case for the bill, quoted from their memorandum. It is not Agora's description of what the bill does.