NEW YORK STATE ASSEMBLY MEMORANDUM IN SUPPORT OF LEGISLATION submitted in accordance with Assembly Rule III, Sec 1(f)
BILL NUMBER: A4034
SPONSOR: Ra TITLE OF BILL:
An act to amend the public health law, in relation to placing kratom on
the schedules of controlled substances
PURPOSE OR GENERAL IDEA OF BILL:
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.
PRIOR LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
New bill.
FISCAL IMPLICATIONS:
None to the State.
EFFECTIVE DATE:
Ninety days after becoming law.
