Kratom Legalization Bill Advances in Rhode Island

Rhode Island is on the verge of overturning its 2017 ban on kratom, as both chambers of the state legislature have passed a version of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. The bill, if signed into law, would legalize kratom for consumers over 21 and establish regulations for its manufacture and sale.

This development marks significant progress for kratom advocates, who have been working to overturn bans in several states. The American Kratom Association, which conceived the original Act, has been instrumental in these efforts.

Despite opposition from Rhode Island’s Department of Health, the bill passed with a 39-26 vote in the House. If enacted, it would make Rhode Island the latest state to regulate rather than prohibit kratom, potentially paving the way for similar changes in other states where the substance is currently banned.