Assemblyman Keith Brown (R,C-Northport) today applauded the signing of bipartisan legislation to regulate the sale and labeling of kratom products in New York state, calling the measures an important step to protect children and ensure consumers are informed about potentially dangerous substances.

The legislation includes A.2340A, which prohibits the sale of kratom to individuals under the age of 21, and A.5852A, which requires kratom products sold in New York to carry clear warning labels and a full list of ingredients.

“This legislation is about protecting kids and making sure families aren’t left in the dark about what’s being sold over the counter,” said Brown. “Kratom has been marketed as a harmless, ‘all-natural’ product, but the reality is that it carries serious health risks, especially for young people. Setting an age limit and requiring transparent labeling are common-sense safeguards that put public health first.”

Under the new law, retailers who sell kratom to individuals under 21 can face civil penalties of up to $500 per violation. The labeling requirements will also warn consumers that kratom may be addictive and may interact dangerously with other medications or substances.

“Parents deserve to know that products sold in local stores won’t put their children at risk,” Brown added. “This bipartisan effort strikes the right balance, protecting minors, improving transparency and giving New Yorkers the information they need to make informed decisions.”

The bills passed both houses of the Legislature with broad bipartisan support and were backed by public health advocates, clinicians and families who have experienced firsthand the dangers of unregulated kratom products.