PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — A bill that would rein in kratom products and ban the sale of synthetics is on its way to the Pennsylvania Senate after unanimously passing the state House.
The bill would allow kratom to be sold only in its natural form by registered retailers with strict labeling requirements, would outlaw its sale to anyone under 21 and ban synthetic compounds like 7OH.
Democratic state Rep. Bridget Kosierowski, the bill’s prime sponsor, said there was a therapeutic use of kratom for managing chronic pain.
“Consumers should know what they are buying, parents should know that these products are not being marketed to their children and responsible businesses should know what standards they are expected to meet,” she said.
“This legislation is not about pretending that kratom is risk-free. It is about acknowledging the reality that kratom is already here and establishing rules that make the marketplace more transparent and accountable.”
State Rep. Dan Frankel, who chairs the state House Health Committee, said unregulated, synthetic products like 7OH are sold in gas stations, convenience stores and smoke shops and can be more addictive than morphine. However, they’re often sold as flavored gummies, candies or beverages in packaging that makes it look healthy or like candy.
“Kratom in its natural form is chewed or made into tea, and it's apparently bitter. It's not a treat and shouldn't be delicious. This and these synthetic compounds shouldn't be sold as natural products to customers believing they are buying something safe to improve their health,” he said.
“The goal is to continue to make products that some find therapeutic available, while eliminating the most dangerous products or forms that might be appealing to young people or consumers who simply don't understand how dangerous kratom can be.”
