OLYMPIA, Wash. – Lawmakers in the state’s capitol are debating how to regulate kratom with a focus on consumer safety and youth protection.
The proposed House bill does not aim for a full ban like some cities, such as Spokane, have suggested. Instead, it would bring kratom under the Liquor and Cannabis Board’s authority, requiring licenses to sell and establishing independent lab testing and an online directory of approved products.
Kratom would be classified as a 21 and over product, and an 11 percent tax would be added to sales. The revenue from this tax would go into an account focused on preventing youth substance abuse.
A pharmacist and clinical toxicologist from the Washington Poison Center recently addressed concerns about kratom supplements, emphasizing the potential dangers.
“7OH is a potent opioid imposed in danger to all. We had two near-death cases in 2-year-olds over the last year who survived because naloxone was readily available either just in the home or EMS was quickly to the home and more importantly the lack of child-resistant containers that are crucial and are named in this bill has been a significant issue,” the pharmacist and toxicologist stated.
Supporters of the bill argue it would protect children, target dangerous synthetic products and ensure consumer transparency and consistency statewide.
Opponents express concerns about limiting local government control, overregulation and the financial impact on small businesses due to licensing costs. They also point out that kratom helps some people with pain management or opioid recovery.
The bill is scheduled for an executive session on February 4.
