NEW JERSEY (KYW Newsradio) — It's now temporarily illegal to sell or possess some synthetic kratom products in New Jersey under a new change to federal law.
Last month, the federal government temporarily designated some kratom products commonly sold in gas stations as Schedule I drugs: Synthetic compounds related to synthetic kratom–mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16. These substances join LSD and heroin on the Schedule I list.
Kratom is an herb that, in high doses, can act like an opioid and cause psychotic symptoms.
Products containing kratom have grown in popularity, but state and federal health officials warn they have a high potential for addiction. It’s frequently marketed online and sold in brick-and-mortar stores, but is not approved for medical use in the United States.
New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport said kratom products are not subject to quality control standards regarding contaminants or concentration. Davenport also noted that they may look like candy and labels may not identify contents clearly for people to understand what they are consuming.
The temporary ban will remain in effect until at least Aug. 26, 2028. Natural kratom and other synthetic kratom-related compounds not scheduled are not illegal.
The temporary ban will last nearly 2 years
The temporary ban will last nearly 2 years
