LOS ANGELES, CA -- The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) is encouraged by Maryland's recent enactment of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), setting the stage for safe access to kratom products for consumers. Maryland Governor Wes Moore signed the bill into law on Thursday, May 16, making Maryland the 13th state to adopt the KCPA. On April 4, 2024, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear signed a similar bill regulating kratom in the Bluegrass State.

The KCPA aims to safeguard consumers by implementing age restrictions, requiring some disclosures on product labels, and mandating reporting of adverse health events related to kratom usage. These measures underscore a responsible approach to regulation that prioritizes consumer safety while preserving access to kratom, a botanical with a long history of traditional use in Southeast Asia.

"We commend the leadership of Maryland and Kentucky in passing the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which offers guidelines and a basis for future regulations," said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. "By implementing age restrictions and enhancing transparency through label disclosures, these states are taking proactive steps to ensure that consumers can make informed decisions about their kratom usage. Including provisions for reporting adverse health events demonstrates a commitment to ongoing monitoring and improvement of kratom safety protocols."

Growing List of States with Recent Kratom Legislation

The enactment of the KCPA in Maryland and Kentucky adds to a growing list of states that have signed responsible kratom regulation. Of the 13 states in which the possession, distribution, sale, or manufacture of kratom products is regulated, 10 states (Arizona, Colorado, Georgia, Maryland, Nevada, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia) also place requirements for kratom product labels. The other six states have no product labeling requirements (Florida, Illinois, Louisiana, Minnesota, Oregon, and South Dakota).

"The Global Kratom Coalition looks forward to working with state-level legislatures who passed the KCPA to further strengthen label requirements and limits on certain active ingredients," said Lowe. "Of particular concern is an alarming and increasing number of synthetic isolate 7-hydroxymitragynine products that are being sold as kratom but are entirely different. Consumers should approach these products with extreme caution."

In April 2024, the Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) released a position paper addressing the proliferation of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products in the market. "GKC Position Paper: 7-hydroxymitragynine Products” delves into the complexities surrounding these synthetic products and their implications for public health and regulation. According to the GKC, the safety of 7-OH products has not been established, and what is currently known about its commercialization is not in the interest of public safety. Products that contain synthetically derived 7-OH should not be considered as kratom products.

7-OH products claim heightened potency due to elevated levels of mitragynine and other alkaloids, yet a closer examination reveals concerning disparities in composition compared to authentic kratom products, in that they contain large amounts of 7-OH that are not seen in authentic kratom products.

The GKC has found many of these products have very little or non-existent levels of kratom-derived alkaloids and disproportionately high concentrations of synthetically produced 7-OH. Such imbalances raise significant safety considerations, particularly given what is known about the pharmacological profile of 7-OH.

GKC supports legislation like California Assemblymember Matthew Haney’s Assembly Bill 2365. Assemblymember Haney’s proposed Kratom Consumer Protection Act in California limits the amount of 7-OH found in kratom products to less than 1% of total alkaloids.

About Kratom 

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia. Its leaves have traditionally been used for their mood-boosting and energy-enhancing properties. While kratom's regulatory status and safety have been debated, the passage of the KCPA represents a significant step toward establishing consistent standards for kratom products in the U.S.

About the Global Kratom Coalition

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) exists to protect and expand access to leaf-based kratom around the world. The organization represents the interests of advocates committed to positive change benefiting consumers. The organization supports education and the development of kratom science, which is central to the GKC’s mission—to empower individuals worldwide with access to safe and responsibly sourced kratom products by advancing scientific research and sensible regulation.

The GKC operates on five key values:

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Media Contact

Matthew Lowe
mlowe@globalkratomcoalition.org