In California, where kratom has become a common fixture in vape-and-smoke shops, lawmakers are now aiming to reel in an unregulated market. Under AB 2365, the bill proposed this year by Haney, the state would require kratom products to be registered with the public health department. Several kratom researchers have warned that chemical — 7-hydroxymitragynine — poses a higher risk of abuse. When Alexander Karp began using kratom for pain relief, he grew frustrated trying to ensure he could reliably get the same kind of product from “very questionable” online vendors. McCurdy likened the modern range in kratom products to the difference between light beer and everclear.

Source: Los Angeles Times May 09, 2024 18:41 UTC