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PSAM Supports Legislation Regulating Kratom Products in Pennsylvania
On September 18, the Pennsylvania Society of Addiction Medicine (PSAM) sent a letter of support for HB 2657 to members of the House Committee on Health ahead of their scheduled hearing. This legislation would regulate kratom in Pennsylvania including by prohibiting the sale of synthetic products and implementing product labeling requirements.
In the letter, PSAM noted that a growing number of Pennsylvanians are negatively affected by kratom and its extracts. PSAM shared that its members have increasingly been treating patients with kratom product poisoning, addiction, and withdrawal. Additionally, Pennsylvania is one of 24 states that does not currently regulate kratom on a statewide basis. The current status quo creates a significant public health risk. HB 2657 would set a regulatory standard and aim to protect consumer health and safety. Further, HB 2657 includes key provisions to prohibit the sale of synthetic kratom products and require accurate labeling. PSAM characterized the legislation as an important first step to protect public health and safety from unregulated kratom products.
