Kratom Consumer Protection Act

After nearly a decade of state-level battles, the fight for kratom regulation is gaining momentum on Capitol Hill.

In a show of bipartisan unity, lawmakers have reintroduced the Federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act during this Congressional session. With matching bills in both houses, this determined group of kratom advocates seeks to establish federal kratom rules and regulations.

Sen. Mike Lee, a Republican from Utah, spearheaded the effort by filing S.3039 alongside H.R. 5905, a companion bill introduced by Democratic Representatives Mark Pocan and Jack Bergman. Senator Corey Booker is expected to join as a co-sponsor when the Senate reconvenes following the late Sen. Diane Feinstein’s funeral.

While state-level advocates fight for market regulations and consumer safety nets, the federal version of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act addresses broader issues in the kratom debate.

What’s included in the Federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act?

What’s included in the Federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act? To begin with, it limits the Food and Drug Administration’s ability to issue import alerts without valid reasons. This reduction in past import alerts, triggered by certain contaminants, broadened restrictions on kratom. Furthermore, the proposed law mandates that the FDA regulate kratom as a food product. It also leaves room for potential future classifications as a new dietary ingredient or part of a new drug application, pending supportive research.

Moreover, the legislation not only enforces public comment periods for specific government actions but also demands more transparency in government-funded studies and research. Additionally, it establishes a task force within the Department of Health and Human Services. This task force is designed to engage directly with the public, sharing information and scientific developments related to kratom.

The significance of this proposed law has led advocates to label it as “landmark legislation.” It marks a crucial step for the American Kratom Association and consumer advocates nationwide, signaling a shift in the regulatory landscape.

The FDA Trying To Schedule Kratom

Moving on to the FDA’s persistent attempts to schedule kratom, resistance has been encountered at the federal level. Jim Carroll, a former drug czar, emphasizes the urgency of presenting scientific evidence to key officials to challenge the FDA’s stance. Even Dr. Brett Giroir, the Assistant Secretary for Health, criticized the FDA’s position upon reviewing the information.

Despite the FDA’s relentless efforts, federal authorities have consistently rejected scheduling kratom. Notably, even the United Nations panel declined to take action on the matter.

Utah, the first state to pass the Kratom Consumer Protection Act and the home state of the Senate sponsor of the federal KCPA, is at the forefront of this battle. Utah State Sen. Curt Bramble, a key figure in passing the KCPA in his state, shared his experience. He also exposed misleading claims made by opponents of kratom regulation, citing a law enforcement source’s testimony about kratom’s role in impaired driving cases.

Upon thorough investigation, Bramble discovered that the data came from FDA sources opposing kratom regulation rather than the state toxicology lab. The actual numbers showed that kratom was not the sole substance present in any of the cases.

With the proposed federal protections for research transparency and FDA controls, advocates are hopeful. They believe they can uncover the truth about kratom, free from interference and misinformation. These protections are seen as a pivotal step in ensuring a fair and accurate representation of kratom’s potential benefits and risks.

How you can help get the federal kratom protection act passed?

The American Kratom Association has been leading the way in kratom legislation nationwide. Here are several ways you can assist the AKA and kratom advocacy to push for federal kratom regulation:

Enroll in AKA’s official federal advocacy training

• Wednesday 10/18 at 8:30 pm ET
• Thursday 10/19 at 9:30 pm ET
• Friday 10/20 at 12:00 pm ET

Share you personal kratom testimony 

• Share how kratom has positively impacted your life at https://www.protectkratom.org/take-action.
• Contribute to the AKA of offer your support as a volunteer
• The AKA is a non-profit organization advocating for kratom and relies on donations to advance crucial legislation. Donate today to support the AKA’s efforts.
• You can also become a part of the American Kratom Protectors program by visiting their website for more details.
• The AKA conducts webinars to keep kratom consumers informed about the latest developments in kratom laws.
• The AKA collaborates with Senators, Representatives, lawmakers, and legal professionals to drive the passage of KCPAs.”

(Note: Please ensure to visit the official AKA website for accurate dates and information regarding their programs and events.)