Federal Lawmakers Push for Kratom Research and Regulation

In a move that could reshape the landscape of herbal supplements, a group of bipartisan lawmakers recently introduced the Kratom Consumer Protection Act in both the House and Senate. The legislation aims to pave the way for research and regulation of kratom, a plant-based substance that has been a subject of debate for its potential health benefits and risks. According to The Paper, the bill would prevent the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) from holding kratom to higher standards than other over-the-counter substances.

The legislation also proposes the creation of a kratom task force. This group would be responsible for investigating the plant’s health claims and would be required to hold a public hearing to discuss its health benefits and risks. The task force would provide Congress with quarterly updates for two years before being dissolved.

Kratom, often touted as a natural pain reliever and performance enhancer, is available in various forms and is sold in gas stations, tea rooms, and head shops across many parts of the country. The new bill aims to bring more clarity and regulation to this controversial herbal substance.