November 09, 2022

While kratom is legal across most of the U.S., there are a handful of places where it’s illegal. One of those places is Rhode Island, which has been in effect for a while. However, the state has had a change of heart and is looking at making kratom legal. What does that mean for residents? Read ahead and learn more.
The Kratom Ban 
In 2017, the Department of Health determined that the active compounds in kratom should be listed as controlled Schedule 1 substance. This decision came after a 2016 announcement from the Drug Enforcement Agency that it would schedule kratom at the federal level. However, the DEA never enacted the ban nationally, so Rhode Island essentially jumped the gun. Since then, kratom supporters have pushed for state lawmakers to remove kratom from the scheduled list. 
New Look at Kratom 
Kratom supporters have finally gotten their wish, with some legislators willing to take a closer look at the ban. Two lawmakers specifically are revisiting kratom, Reps. Edwards and Kennedy. They introduced H 5330, a bill “to legalize kratom and prevent adulterated products from being sold,” according to The Providence Journal.
It’s also known as the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, similar to what many states have already passed or attempted to pass. In his reasoning for co-authoring the new bill, Rep. Kennedy said the Department of Health used misinformation from the FDA when it banned kratom previously. 
The bill would not only make kratom sales legal in the state but would also regulate 7-hydroxymitragynine. As one of the main psychoactive compounds in the plant, it has been controversial for years. Manufacturers would also have to label products with directions for use. Products would have to be registered by the state, so vendors would have to obtain a certificate of analysis from an independent lab.
Violators of any of the rules would face fines of $500 and $1,000 for additional violations.
Opposition to the Bill 
While many kratom supporters are enthusiastic about the bill, there is still plenty of pushback. The Department of Health still believes it made the right decision and is against the legislation. The department claimed that there is not enough research conducted on kratom. The interim director also said the bill doesn’t mention the funding needed to regulate sales.
Rhode Island’s Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities & Hospitals also opposes the bill. The department asserts there’s insufficient evidence to authorize the sale of kratom products. Members still believe kratom is too risky for the general public.
Compromise
Although the bill has both support and opposition, each side seems willing to make some compromises. For example, the Department of Health wants the purchase age raised from 18 to 21. They also want to punish violators by taking away their business licenses. The bill’s sponsors have not objected to these amendments.
Future of Kratom
While the bill progresses through the Rhode Island legislature, its future is still unclear. One thing that is clear is that you can get premium kratom products from Kratom Kaps. We thoroughly test and vet each item to ensure safety. We believe in providing customers with products they are proud to purchase. Please visit our website to learn more about Kratom Kaps.
Source:
https://www.providencejournal.com/story/news/politics/2023/04/11/what-is-kratom-why-is-it-illegal-in-rhode-island-and-why-a-bill-might-legalize-it/70093095007/