Georgia Implements New Kratom Regulations

Georgia’s Governor has officially enacted new regulations on kratom, a popular herbal supplement. Effective January 1, the law will restrict kratom sales to individuals over 21 and mandates that it be stored behind counters or in employee-accessible areas only. These measures aim to curb the misuse of kratom, which is derived from a Southeast Asian tropical tree and commonly used for pain relief, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal symptoms.

The legislation also sets limits on kratom’s active chemical components and introduces stringent labeling requirements, alongside hefty penalties for non-compliance. This regulatory action follows concerns about kratom’s safety and potential for addiction, highlighted by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

This move is part of a broader effort to ensure consumer safety without outright banning the product, balancing public health concerns with access to kratom for its many users in the state.