Missouri Urged to Regulate Kratom to Protect Access for Chronic Pain Patients

For many Missourians suffering from chronic pain, kratom and its pain-relieving compound 7-OH have been life-changing alternatives to opioids. Brandi Lane, a chronic pain patient, describes years of ineffective treatments and ER visits before discovering relief through kratom. However, she warns that the lack of regulation puts both access and safety at risk.

Currently, kratom products exist in a legal gray area in Missouri—there are no statewide rules for age limits, ingredient testing, or labeling. Lane argues that without commonsense regulations, one misuse incident could spark a backlash, threatening access for responsible users.

A bipartisan bill proposing age limits and safety standards failed in the last legislative session. Lane calls on lawmakers to act now, stressing that regulation is about protection, not endorsement. She urges Missouri to adopt science-based safeguards before a crisis forces the issue.

Read the full opinion at STLToday.