Latest news with #AmericanKratomAssociation
Associated Press
7 days ago
- Health
- Associated Press
"Don't Criminalize Me" Rally at Louisiana Capitol Asks Governor Landry to Veto Senate Bill 154
Help give voice to over 325K Louisianans who will be criminalized by SB154 On June 3, 2025, the 'Don't Criminalize Me' rally gathers at the Louisiana State Capitol to ask Governor Landry to veto Senate Bill 154. What: Louisiana kratom advocates, veterans, small business owners, and concerned citizens will gather on the Capitol steps for the 'Don't Criminalize Me' Rally to urge Governor Jeff Landry to veto Senate Bill 154, which would criminalize the possession and use of kratom by over 325,000 Louisianans. Louisiana and national media is strongly encouraged to attend and contact for details. When: Tuesday, June 3, 2025 at 2:00 PM Central Time Where: Louisiana State Capitol, located at 900 North 3rd Street, Baton Rouge, LA 70802 Why: Senate Bill 154 threatens to unjustly criminalize law-abiding citizens—including many veterans—who responsibly use kratom as part of their health and wellness routines. The rally will call on the Governor to veto SB154 and instead establish a Louisiana Kratom Commission to: Advocates will share personal stories and expert perspectives supporting appropriate regulations and age restriction evidence-based policy—not fear-driven bans. Visuals: Signs, banners, personal testimonials, and a peaceful crowd demanding consumer protection—not criminalization. Media Inquiries: Contact Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy for the American Kratom Association, at 571-294-5978 or [email protected]. About American Kratom Association (AKA) American Kratom Association (AKA) is a consumer-based, nonprofit organization, focused on furthering the latest science as guidance for kratom public policy. AKA works to give a voice to millions of Americans by fighting to protect their rights to access safe and natural kratom. For more information, visit and learn more at Media Contact Mac Haddow [email protected] ### SOURCE: American Kratom Association (AKA) Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire
Associated Press
29-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
American Kratom Association (AKA) Urges Louisiana Governor to Veto SB 154 – A Dangerous and Unjust Criminalization Bill
Governor should protect Louisiana citizens and support science and common sense American Kratom Association (AKA) is calling on Governor Jeff Landry to immediately veto SB 154, a bill that will unjustly criminalize more than 325,000 law-abiding Louisianans who currently use kratom as part of their personal health and wellness routines. If signed into law, SB 154 would strip these individuals—including many veterans—of safe access to kratom and turn them into criminals overnight. SB 154 is based on misinformation and political favoritism, not science. During debate, proponents of the bill relied on incomplete and demonstrably false claims—ignoring the expert evaluations that led the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to decline scheduling kratom. Instead of protecting public health, this legislation caters to Senator Morris's campaign donors, including anti-kratom drug rehab centers and pharmaceutical interests that stand to profit from a ban. 'This bill isn't about public safety—it's about politics,' said Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy for the AKA. 'We're urging Governor Landry to reject this reckless criminalization effort and stand with the 325,000 Louisianans who responsibly use kratom, many of whom are veterans managing chronic pain and PTSD without dangerous opioids.' The AKA strongly urges Governor Landry to veto SB 154 and instead convene a Louisiana Kratom Commission to: Take Action Now Louisiana residents can contact Governor Landry and ask him to veto SB 154 by visiting: America should stand for facts—not fear, and for science—not special interests. Louisiana deserves thoughtful regulation—not blanket criminalization. About American Kratom Association (AKA) American Kratom Association (AKA) is a consumer-based, nonprofit organization, focused on furthering the latest science as guidance for kratom public policy. AKA works to give a voice to millions of Americans by fighting to protect their rights to access safe and natural kratom. For more information, visit and learn more at Media Contact Mac Haddow [email protected] ### SOURCE: American Kratom Association (AKA) Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Tampa Bay lawmaker proposes additional Kratom regulations; advocates partially agree
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — State lawmakers are looking to add more regulations to the controversial herbal supplement known as Kratom. Kratom is a southeast Asian leaf that's often used for its stimulating effects. It's commonly found at gas stations along with tobacco and Kava shops. Florida bill ignites debate over parental consent for minors' healthcare Republican State Rep. Michael Owen is looking to prevent artificially elevated levels of a compound found in that tea leaf. 'We've got to regulate it because we got to get the 7-OH off the street,' Owen said. Rep. Owen, who covers southern Hillsborough and northern Manatee counties, has filed House Bill 1489. 'They're pulling out what's called 7-OH. Basically, it's 0.5% of the Kratom leaf. So, they're pulling kind of the worst parts of that out. They're mixing that with other alkaloids and other compounds and they're creating a product that is very, very dangerous,' Owen said. Senior Fellow on Public Policy Mac Haddow is with the American Kratom Association. He and the organization advocate for the responsible usage of Kratom which can be in the form of liquid, powder, or pill. 'Any adverse event or death that's related to Kratom occurs because of an adulterated Kratom product or poly drug use,' Haddow said. He agrees with getting products that are mixed with additional substances, making the effects stronger, off the shelves. 'We should be focused on eliminating those products from the marketplace and not taking a broad strike against all Kratom products and the millions of Floridians who are consuming Kratom safely and responsibly,' Haddow said. Owen's current bill includes additional regulations, like if Kratom tea is brewed, the shop must test it with a lab to monitor levels of 7-OH. Owen said he's making tweaks as the bill moves through committee. 'It does overregulate to where a lot of the Kava bars, for example, are put in a difficult spot where they can't brew their teas. I'm not out to get them. So, I've already made some changes,' Owen said. Kratom is often used to boost energy, improve someone's mood, or battle an opioid addiction. The FDA warns against its usage, saying it's dangerous for your liver, may cause seizures, and it's addictive. It has been banned in Sarasota County since 2014. Six states have also banned Kratom. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
11-03-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
American Kratom Association Side Event to Present Critical Scientific Update on Kratom at the 68th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs
VIENNA, Austria, March 11, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- The American Kratom Association (AKA) will host a side-event presentation titled 'Kratom: A Critical Scientific Update on Safety and Potential Benefits for Consumers' at the 68th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND). This session will feature leading scientists and researchers presenting the latest scientific data on kratom's safety profile and potential benefits for consumers worldwide. What: 'Kratom: A Critical Scientific Update on Safety and Potential Benefits for Consumers' side event during the 68th session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs When: Friday, March 14, 2025, at 10:00 AM CET Where: UN Headquarters, Vienna, Austria – Room MOE07 (remote participation available via Zoom – access the link at Why: As international regulatory discussions continue regarding kratom, this expert-led presentation will provide critical, science-based insights into the plant's pharmacology, safety, and consumer benefits. The event aims to inform global policymakers, researchers, and the media about the latest research findings and their implications for public health and regulatory decisions. Who: Hosted by the American Kratom Association, this side event will feature renowned kratom scientists and researchers presenting their latest findings. Media Opportunities: Interviews with leading kratom scientists and policy experts Access to the latest research on kratom's safety and benefits Live and recorded coverage available for remote media participation Register & Media Contact: For media inquiries, interview requests, or to confirm attendance, please contact [email protected]. About American Kratom Association (AKA) The American Kratom Association (AKA), a consumer-based non-profit organization, advocates to protect the freedom of consumers to safely consume natural kratom as a part of their personal health and well-being regimen. AKA represents the nearly 20 million Americans who consume kratom safely each year. For more information, visit
Axios
12-02-2025
- Health
- Axios
Colorado lawmakers advance bill to crackdown on kratom
Colorado's Democratic lawmakers are again trying to regulate kratom, an herbal supplement with intoxicating effects, despite continued concerns from the governor. Why it matters: The bill sponsors are concerned about the safety of kratom products and the Wild West regulatory environment that has allowed the industry to thrive. State of play: Gov. Jared Polis' administration first proposed a regulatory framework for kratom similar to marijuana's in 2023, but a bill to implement the plan stalled. Polis, a Democrat, is a proponent of kratom and pledged in his first campaign to "protect access" to the product. The latest: The new legislation, which advanced through its first committee in early February, would require companies that process the plant, Mitragyna speciosa, to register with the state and follow labeling and product rules designed to limit potency. The state would charge new per-product fees — estimated near $200 — to pay for the registration program. State Sen. Kyle Mullica, a Northglenn Democrat and bill sponsor, pointed to new research linking kratom to deaths and addiction. In 2023, kratom was detected in 41 drug overdoses in Colorado, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. What he's saying:"It is too easy for consumers to take supercharged kratom products with devastating consequences," Mullica said at a recent legislative hearing. The other side: The American Kratom Association and Colorado businesses that sell kratom argued the new fees would shutter businesses and restrict access to the products, which are typically sold at smoke shops. A handful of kratom users testified against the bill, saying it brought them pain relief after major injuries and helped them break addictions to pain pills.
