LITTLE ROCK, Ark.—A bipartisan effort is underway in Arkansas to legalize and regulate kratom, a plant-based substance often used for pain relief and as an alternative to opioids. If successful, the bill could overturn a decade-long ban on the substance and introduce safeguards for consumers. Senate Bill 534, co-sponsored by Democratic State Senator Greg Leding …
Arkansas Weighs Kratom Legalization Amid Calls for Reform Read More »
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine is conducting a groundbreaking online study on 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a compound associated with certain kratom products. The study invites individuals who have consumed 7-OH products to participate by completing a screening process and, if eligible, an online survey about their usage patterns. As a thank-you, participants who complete …
Johns Hopkins Seeks Participants for Online Study on 7-OH Kratom Products Read More »
In 2025, the Mississippi legislature witnessed a flurry of activity surrounding kratom as policymakers grappled with its place in the state’s legal framework. Proposals ranged from stringent criminalization to consumer protection, reflecting starkly different views on kratom’s risks and benefits. However, most legislative efforts have stalled, leaving local governments to chart their own course on …
Mississippi’s Kratom Conundrum: Legislative Efforts Meet Resistance Read More »
DENVER — In the shadow of the Rockies, a centuries-old Southeast Asian plant is at the center of a heated debate, exposing the complexities of drug policy in the era of evolving attitudes towards natural remedies. Kratom has carved a niche in Colorado, but its presence has ignited a legislative battleground, pitting advocates against those …
PIERRE, S.D. — In a surprising display of bipartisan agreement, the South Dakota House of Representatives recently voted unanimously to pass a bill regulating the sale of kratom, a controversial Southeast Asian plant used for its purported stimulant and pain-relieving effects. The move comes as the state simultaneously grapples with broader reforms to its stringent …
South Dakota House Passes Kratom Regulation Bill: What It Means Read More »
Lincoln, Nebraska – A battle is brewing in the heartland over the fate of kratom, a controversial plant around the globe. Here in Nebraska’s unique unicameral legislature, two starkly different bills have been introduced, leaving the future of kratom hanging in the balance. Senator Loren Lippincott, a staunch conservative Republican, has put forward a bill …
Nebraska Could Set Precedent for Kratom Laws Nationwide Read More »
On January 14, the North Dakota House Judiciary Committee voted against the kratom ban bill. The Do Not Pass vote prevents HB 1101 from moving forward at this time. The Committee voted 10 to 3 in opposition to the bill, with one member abstaining. On January 15, the bill went to a vote in the …
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 …
New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners Endorses Kratom Regulation Over Ban Read More »
OKLAHOMA CITY — Oklahoma has a complex and evolving relationship with kratom, a plant-based substance often used for its potential therapeutic benefits. The state’s regulatory path is primarily shaped by the efforts of Rep. Daniel Pae of Lawton, whose legislative initiatives have been central to the ongoing debate. Initial Attempts at Prohibition The controversy began …
Oklahoma’s Journey with Kratom: Legal Hurdles and Legislative Milestones Read More »
GAINESVILLE, Fla. — The University of Florida, renowned for its leadership in kratom research, has launched a pioneering continuing education course for pharmacists titled “Kratom as a Popular Product for Self-Treatment: An Overview for Pharmacists.” Approved by the Florida Board of Pharmacy, this online course aims to arm pharmacists with essential knowledge to counsel consumers …
University of Florida Introduces Groundbreaking Kratom Course for Pharmacists Read More »