The Mississippi House of Representatives passed a bill Thursday to restrict kratom purchases to those 21 and older and ban synthetic kratom products. The bill, HB1077, is part of a legislative push to regulate kratom amid ongoing debate about its potential benefits and risks.
The Mississippi House of Representatives gave unanimous approval to a bill on February 7, 2025, aimed at regulating the sale of kratom. The bill, HB1077, sponsored by Rep. Lee Yancey, would raise the minimum age for purchasing kratom to 21 and prohibit the sale of synthetic kratom products. Retailers would be required to verify the age of customers purchasing kratom and keep the product behind the counter. Fines are proposed for both underage buyers and retailers who sell to them.
The legislation also outlaws synthetic kratom extracts, particularly those containing high concentrations of 7-hydroxymitragynine, a chemical compound that interacts with opioid receptors in the brain. This measure is one of several kratom-related bills currently under consideration in the Mississippi Legislature. Two other bills propose imposing an age limit on kratom purchases, while two others seek to classify various forms of kratom as Schedule III controlled substances. This classification would impose criminal penalties for possession and limit access to prescriptions from licensed healthcare providers. Rep. Yancey expressed his support for scheduling kratom as a controlled substance, acknowledging the challenges of past attempts to ban it outright. He believes securing this age restriction is a significant step forward. The bill now advances to the Mississippi Senate for further consideration. The debate surrounding kratom centers on its potential benefits and risks. Supporters argue that it can be an effective treatment for opioid use disorder, chronic pain, and depression. Conversely, critics warn of its addictive nature and potential for harm, emphasizing its stimulant- and opioid-like effects. The Mississippi Medical Association has urged lawmakers to classify kratom as a controlled substance due to its highly addictive properties. State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney supports classifying kratom as a Schedule III drug, citing the success of a similar approach with tianeptine in 2023. Tianeptine, another substance sold in gas stations and used to treat depression, has seen a significant reduction in use since its reclassification. However, advocates like Christina Dent argue that a complete ban on kratom would harm individuals who utilize it to manage opioid use or other health conditions. They express concerns about a burgeoning illegal market and the potential for increased crime and instability
KRATOM LEGISLATION MISSISSIPPI AGE RESTRICTIONS CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE HEALTH ADDICTION
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