Disruption

States seek stricter regulations on kratom

More than 160 bills have been introduced this year.
Dana Pope, with her husband John, holds a photo of her son, Ethan, as she speaks at a news conference at the Georgia Capitol on May 2, 2024, after Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill to regulate kratom. The Popes say their son died after using kratom and that they hope the law will prevent other families from having to go through what they did. (AP Photo/Kate Brumback)

Lawmakers in states across the country are exploring legislation to crack down on kratom, a drug often sold in gas stations and smoke shops that is used to manage pain or opioid withdrawal.

More than 160 bills have been introduced this year, offering a plethora of regulatory options ranging from packaging and manufacturing rules to full bans on the chemical compound that causes reactions in humans.

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