March 15, 2023
Back in the day, kratom was legal in Kansas. Then, state lawmakers wanted to prohibit it. Then, Kansas legislators decided that kratom should remain legal in the state and introduced the Kratom Consumer Protection Act to regulate products. However, the bill died. After another attempt, the KCPA is back on the slate in the 2023 legislative session. Through it all, kratom remained legal, and while the future of kratom in Kansas isn’t clear, many are watching to see what comes next.
Past Attempts of Kratom Ban in Kansas
In 2018, the Kansas Senate Public Health and Welfare Committee proposed a bill to classify the active alkaloids in kratom as Schedule 1 substances. Essentially, the lawmakers were trying to ban kratom. However, kratom supporters in Kansas came out in droves. As a result, lawmakers removed the alkaloids from the potential ban list. Due to the about-face, this allowed kratom to see another day.
First Attempt at Passing KCPA
Since Kansas lawmakers failed to ban kratom, lawmakers decided to regulate the Southeast Asian plant the following year. That’s where the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) came into play. By this point, lawmakers were willing to concede and keep kratom legal. However, they wanted to put stricter guidelines into place. Some of these included preventing minors from purchasing products, minimizing contamination, and limiting adulteration of items with dangerous ingredients.
Of course, kratom supporters in Kansas favored this new legislation. They truly believed that kratom was on the right path. But, alas, the bill died in committee in May 2020, dashing many dreams with it. However, support for kratom in Kansas would push on.
2nd Attempt at KCPA
Not one to give up, the same committee that attempted to pass the KCPA tried again in 2021. It was similar to the previous bill, so lawmakers wanted to see how it would fly a second time around. After negotiations, revisions, and the such, legislators ended up stripping out all mentions of kratom and turned into a whole other type of bill. Once again, kratom enthusiasts were let down.
3rd Attempt at KCPA
Since they say third time’s the charm, Kansas legislators kept on the KCPA track and tried again for the 2023 legislative session. At this juncture, the House Federal and State Affairs Committee wanted to establish a minimum age for customers to buy kratom products. A recent change to the bill upped the age from 18 to 21. Additionally, lawmakers sought to define kratom as a food product and prohibit adulterated kratom products. Violators would face $1,000 for the first offense and $2,000 for subsequent transgressions.
Although this is the third attempt, many hope this is finally the one because they believe kratom regulation is long overdue. Supporters want to keep kratom safe and accessible for customers to feel comfortable purchasing products. It’s been a long road, and kratom supporters in Kansas are ready to reach their destination.
A Future with Kratom Kaps
While the jury is still out about the future of kratom in Kansas, your future kratom purchase is right at your fingertips. Yes, that is right, because Kratom Kaps offers a wide array of products, perfect for all kratom lovers. Do you want Indo, Malay, or Bali? You’re in luck because we have all those and more. Are you ready to take a look for yourself? Please browse our website to learn more about Kratom Kaps.
Sources:
http://kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2084/