BILL NUMBER: S7379

SPONSOR: CANZONERI-FITZPATRICK
 
TITLE OF BILL:

An act to amend the public health law, in relation to placing kratom on
the schedules of controlled substances

 
PURPOSE:

To prevent the sale and use of kratom, otherwise known as mitragyna
speciosa korth.

 
SUMMARY OF PROVISIONS:

  Section  1  amends  subdivision f of schedule I of section 3306 of the
public health law by adding a new paragraph to define kratom.

  Section 2 establishes the effective date.

 
JUSTIFICATION:
              

Kratom is an extract derived from  the  plant  Mitragyna  Speciosa.  The
extract  can  be  consumed or smoked in many ways and mimics opiate-like
qualities. Currently, kratom is not regulated by the FDA and is  labeled
as  a drug of concern. Its availability for purchase and consumption has
ballooned in New York State, and can be  found  at  most  gas  stations,
smoke  shops,  and vitamin stores. Kratom carries risk of addiction, and
is known to react with other medicines, sometimes leading to severe side
effects and possibly death. It has been found that some kratom  products
contain heavy metals and bacteria, such as salmonella. There is no regu-
lation  on  manufacturers or sellers, resulting in a lack of information
to consumers and lack  of  transparency  in  what  is  truly  in  kratom
products.  Due  to  the  concerns  about kratom and the lack of official
studies on its use, it is unsafe to sell for consumption. New York State
should follow the other half dozen States that have banned kratom, which
is in the best interest of New Yorkers and our children.

 
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:

New bill.

 
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:

None to the state.

 
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Ninety days after becoming law.