Mississippi House Passes Bill to Restrict Kratom Sales to Adults

The Mississippi House of Representatives has unanimously passed House Bill 1077, which restricts kratom sales to individuals aged 21 and older and bans synthetic kratom products. The bill, authored by Rep. Lee Yancey, aims to regulate the herbal substance often found in gas stations and vape shops, citing concerns over its addictive properties and opioid-like effects.

Under the new legislation, retailers must verify buyers’ age and keep kratom products behind the counter. Synthetic kratom extracts, which contain high concentrations of the psychoactive compound 7-hydroxymitragynine, are also prohibited. Violations will result in fines for both underage buyers and sellers.

The bill passed with a 115-0 vote and now moves to the Senate for consideration. Advocates argue that kratom can help with opioid withdrawal and chronic pain, while critics push for stricter controls or outright bans. For more details, visit Mississippi Today.