Kratom sales banned for people under 21 starting in July, Polk Co. sheriff warns

POLK COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) — Beginning July 1, it will be illegal to sell kratom, an herbal substance from southeast Asia, to people under 21 years of age in Florida.

“We give everyone who sells this the opportunity to understand this will get you locked up if you sell it to anyone under the age of 21,” said Sheriff Grady Judd.

The Florida legislature passed the ban for people under the age of 21 unanimously this legislative session.

Sheriff Judd refers to the substance as “dangerous” because of the “euphoric” sensation it can give to people who consume it.

“It can create hallucinations, confusion. It’s dangerous,” said the sheriff.

Kratom can be consumed in tea/powder or capsule form.

There is no approved use of kratom by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

In fact, in a release from this month, the FDA warns against using kratom.

Read the story at News Channel 8