In a significant move, the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners (BME) has unanimously voted to endorse the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) bill, S1476. This decision comes amidst ongoing debates over another bill, S3359, which seeks to criminalize kratom consumers by placing kratom on New Jersey’s list of controlled substances.
“This is an important step to ensure kratom consumers have access to safely formulated and labeled kratom products to reduce the risk of adulterated or contaminated kratom products,” said the American Kratom Association in a statement. “Equally important, this decision sends a clear message that criminalization is not the solution and stands in stark contrast to the persistent misinformation.”
The BME requested public comments for a hearing held on January 8, where it considered both the kratom regulation and prohibition bills.
The New Jersey Kratom Consumer Protection Act, S1476, was introduced in January 2024. The bipartisan bill is co-sponsored by Senators Joseph Lagana (right picture) and John Bramnick. The bill has been sitting in the Senate Commerce Committee since its introduction. S1476 aims to regulate the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of kratom products to ensure consumer safety. The bill requires proper labeling, testing for contaminants, and prohibits the sale of adulterated kratom. It also mandates that kratom products be sold only to individuals aged 18 and older.
In contrast, another New Jersey Senate bill, S3359, seeks to ban kratom. S3359 outlaws the manufacture, sale, and possession of kratom. The bill, sponsored by Senators Robert Singer, James Holzapfel, and Paul Moriarty, was introduced in June 2024 and remains in the Senate Judiciary Committee. A companion bill to the KCPA, A1188, was also introduced in 2024 and sits in the New Jersey Assembly in the Consumer Affairs Committee.
Kratom bills both prohibiting and regulating kratom, dating back to 2015, have all failed. Kratom remains legal and unregulated in New Jersey.
Governor Phil Murphy has a notable history regarding drug laws and policies in New Jersey. Since taking office, Murphy has been a strong advocate for the legalization and regulation of adult-use cannabis, which he signed into law in February 2021. His administration has focused on addressing racial disparities in drug-related arrests and convictions, emphasizing social justice and economic opportunities for communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs. Murphy’s approach to drug policy has been characterized by a commitment to public health and safety, as well as a recognition of addiction as a treatable illness. This context provides a backdrop to the current debate over kratom regulation, highlighting the state’s evolving stance on drug policy and consumer protection.