North Dakota Lawmakers Push to Classify Kratom as Schedule I Controlled Substance

A new bill introduced in North Dakota’s 69th Legislative Assembly seeks to reclassify kratom, an unregulated herbal substance, as a Schedule I controlled substance. House Bill 1101, sponsored by Rep. Jeremy Olson, aims to add mitragynine (kratom) to the list of Schedule I opiates, alongside substances like fentanyl.

The bill, introduced at the request of Providence House, a rehabilitation center in Arnegard, cites concerns about kratom’s availability and potential for addiction. However, the American Kratom Association argues against the ban, advocating instead for regulation through a Kratom Consumer Protection Act.

The FDA has not approved kratom for medical use, citing concerns about its abuse potential and opioid-like effects. Meanwhile, the National Institute on Drug Abuse has committed $100 million to study kratom’s potential impact on opioid abuse.

The bill’s hearing is scheduled for January 13, 2025, as reported by the Minot Daily News.