Latest news with #MatthewLowe
Associated Press
20-05-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Nebraska Passes Kratom Consumer Protection Act, Setting a State Standard for Kratom Regulation
LOS ANGELES, CA, May 19, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) applauds the Nebraska Legislature for the successful passage of Legislative Bill 230, the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, introduced by State Senator Bob Hallstrom (District 1, Syracuse, NE). This critical legislation establishes common-sense regulations that enhances consumer safety and promotes the responsible manufacturing, marketing, and sale of kratom products in Nebraska. GKC has been actively engaged with Nebraska lawmakers since early 2024, advocating for evidence-based standards that preserve access to natural kratom while shielding the public from dangerous synthetic products that falsely claim to be kratom. LB 230 includes robust protections for consumers, such as prohibiting the marketing of kratom products to children, banning sales to individuals under 21 years old, and requiring product labeling that discourages use by pregnant or breastfeeding women. 'The Nebraska legislature should be commended for leading the way in creating common sense regulations for kratom, keeping it safe and accessible for consumers,' said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. 'Nebraska lawmakers have created a model for other states to pursue by including provisions in the legislation with some real teeth.' One of the most impactful provisions of the bill restricts the level of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH) in kratom products to no more than 2% of the total alkaloid composition. This critical safeguard eliminates the threat posed by highly concentrated 7OH synthetic products — commonly referred to as '7'— which have been proliferating across the country. Unlike natural-leaf kratom, these synthetically altered products contain eight unknown compounds and levels of 7OH up to 100 times higher than naturally occurring kratom. These untested products lack scientific backing for claims of treating chronic pain and opioid use disorder. Despite mounting scientific consensus and public health concern, groups like the Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (HART) have actively sought to undermine the bill or strip out key consumer protections. HART continues to promote synthetic '7' products without offering credible data, directly contradicting the views of leading U.S. kratom researchers who assert that '7' products should not be considered kratom. During a press event in October 2024, HART panelists advocated for regulating 7OH products as though they were natural kratom, making unapproved drug claims without FDA authorization. 'When organizations like HART are advocating for products that are unapproved drugs that have not gone through the FDA approval process,' said Lowe. 'Without FDA approval, selling those products is unlawful and puts consumers at risk.' Since the introduction of LB 230 on January 14, 2025, GKC has worked closely with stakeholders to ensure the legislation balances access to safe, natural kratom with strong protections against dangerous synthetic alternatives. 'Our goal has always been to support legislation that empowers consumers to make informed choices and preserves access to responsibly manufactured kratom products,' said Lowe. 'With the passage of Nebraska's Kratom Consumer Protection Act, we've made a significant leap toward that vision.' The Global Kratom Coalition thanks the Nebraska Legislature for standing up for consumer safety and urges other states to follow Nebraska's lead by adopting meaningful, science-based kratom regulation. About Global Kratom Coalition The Global Kratom Coalition is an alliance of kratom consumers, experts, and industry leaders dedicated to protecting access to kratom while advancing scientific research, driving consumer education, and developing robust regulations to protect consumers. For more information, visit Media Contact Patrick George +1 916-202-1982 [email protected] ### SOURCE: Global Kratom Coalition Copyright 2025 EZ Newswire
Associated Press
13-03-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Global Kratom Coalition Supports Nebraska's Kratom Consumer Protection Act (LB 230)
GKC celebrates the closing of loopholes to protect consumers from dangerous 7-hydroxymitragynine products mislabeled as kratom LOS ANGELES, CA, March 12, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) has been working with the Nebraska legislature since early 2024 in support of Nebraska's Legislative Bill 230, the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, introduced by State Senator Bob Hallstrom (District 1, Lincoln-NE). This proposed legislation aims to establish common-sense regulations that will enhance consumer safety and promote responsible manufacturing, marketing, and sale of kratom products in Nebraska. Among the bill's key provisions are measures designed to protect consumers, including prohibiting the marketing of kratom products designed to appeal to children, prohibiting the sale of kratom products to individuals under 21 years of age, and requiring product labeling that discourages use by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. One of the most important regulations in LB 230 ensures that any level of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH) does not exceed 2% of the overall alkaloid composition of the product. This safeguard effectively eliminates the risk associated with synthesized high-potency isolate 7OH products (known as '7') that are proliferating across the state. Unlike natural-leaf kratom products, synthesized products like '7' contain eight unknown compounds and 100 times more 7OH than true kratom products. These new, untested products have no scientific data to support their use. They are being marketed as a cure for the opioid crisis when in fact they are fueling their own addiction and health crises through their unfettered access across the nation. Organizations such as the Holistic Alternative Recovery Trust (HART) are attempting to either kill kratom regulations bills or strike out core consumer safety provisions that protect consumers from these dangerous synthetic products. They have no data to support their position and contradict opinions expressed by the leading kratom scientists in the US who say '7" products should not be considered kratom. Proponents of '7" are not making factual or credible claims about the safety and efficacy of these products. HART's aim to promote '7" products comes at the risk of consumers. During a press event held by HART in October 2024, panel members advocated for the regulation of 7OH products as if they were natural kratom, making unapproved new drug claims. 'When organizations like HART make unapproved claims that 7OH products are intended for pain relief or opioid use disorder, they are promoting these products as drugs as defined by the FDA,' said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. 'Without prior FDA approval, such products are unlawful to sell.' The Global Kratom Coalition has been actively involved in encouraging the development of LB 230 since its introduction on January 14, 2025, working alongside stakeholders to ensure that consumers have access to safe, natural kratom products and are protected from dangerous synthesized alternatives. 'Our goal is to support legislation that empowers consumers to make informed decisions while maintaining continued access to responsibly manufactured kratom products,' Lowe added. 'Nebraska's Kratom Consumer Protection Act is a significant step forward in achieving those goals.' The Global Kratom Coalition urges lawmakers and stakeholders to support LB 230 and reject any attempts to weaken the bill's vital protections for consumers. About the Global Kratom Coalition The Global Kratom Coalition is an alliance of kratom consumers, experts, and industry leaders dedicated to protecting access to kratom while advancing scientific research, driving consumer education, and developing robust regulations to protect consumers. For more information, visit Patrick George
Associated Press
09-03-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Global Kratom Coalition Applauds Utah Legislature's Decision to Suspend HB 509; Encourages UDAF's Drive To Stringently Enforce Current Kratom Regulations
LOS ANGELES, CA, March 8, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) commends the Utah Legislature for its decision to allow House Bill 509 (HB 509) to expire without moving to a floor vote, thereby avoiding onerous and vague pre-market approval requirements on a segment of kratom products in Utah. While the bill authors should be commended for their desire to strengthen Utah's kratom regulations, HB 509 proposed pre-market approval requirements that go far beyond Federal regulations. This action would have impeded consumer access to demonstrably safe products and created a costly and overreaching bureaucracy. 'We appreciate the desire for the bill's sponsors to address safety concerns. However, suspending HB 509 represents a positive outcome for Utah consumers and the dietary supplement industry at large,' said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. 'Enacting pre-market approval measures would have been contrary to federal law, specifically the Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act (DSHEA) of 1994, marking an unprecedented regulatory paradigm.' With the failure of HB 509, the GKC is encouraged by the Utah Department of Agriculture's (UDAF) push to strengthen enforcement of the existing Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) through ensuring that all kratom products sold in the state are registered with UDAF and highly potent synthetic products like '7' are not sold in the state. This legislation, already in place, provides a framework for ensuring the safety and quality of kratom products. By enhancing enforcement efforts, UDAF can effectively weed out bad actors while supporting responsible businesses that comply with state regulations. Funding for enforcement remains an issue in Utah. A recent survey showed that 64 percent of the kratom products sold in Utah are not registered with UDAF. Strong compliance through enforcement will ensure that all compliant kratom companies are properly registered with the state and will therefore pay their requisite registration fees which will in turn help better fund the program. Beyond this, the GKC fully supports the implementation of a tax on kratom products that would give the necessary funding to UDAF to help them better regulate the kratom marketplace. The GKC will continue to work with the legislature to consider a tax in coming legislative sessions. 'The marketplace in Utah will be made safer through enforcement of existing laws, which serve to protect consumers from harmful products like those containing elevated levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine,' said Lowe. 'By focusing on strict adherence to the KCPA and requiring product registration, along with comprehensive labeling and safety standards, Utah can maintain a safe and regulated kratom marketplace that meets the needs of consumers.' The Global Kratom Coalition remains committed to working collaboratively with legislators and stakeholders to promote sensible regulation that ensures public health and safety while preserving access to kratom for those who rely on it. About the Global Kratom Coalition The Global Kratom Coalition is an alliance of kratom consumers, experts, and industry leaders dedicated to protecting access to kratom while advancing scientific research, driving consumer education, and developing robust regulations to protect consumers. For more information, visit SOURCE: Global Kratom Coalition
Associated Press
29-01-2025
- Health
- Associated Press
Mississippi Senate Bill 2355 Threatens Kratom Access: Advocates Urge Immediate Action
JACKSON, MS, January 29, 2025 (EZ Newswire) -- The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) is calling on kratom consumers and advocates to take immediate action against Mississippi Senate Bill 2355 (SB 2355), which seeks to classify kratom as a Schedule III controlled substance. If passed, this bill would effectively eliminate retail access to kratom in Mississippi, forcing consumers into an underground market and increasing the risk of unsafe alternatives. SB 2355 language is available at 'This bill is a direct attack on the rights of Mississippi residents who responsibly use kratom as a part of their wellness routine,' said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. 'If kratom is scheduled under SB 2355, it will be nearly impossible to access legally and will be a detriment to consumers.' Why SB 2355 Is Dangerous Restricts retail access: Consumers would need a prescription, making kratom virtually inaccessible. Creates a black market: Banning retail sales drives kratom into unregulated underground markets, increasing the risk of adulterated or unsafe products. Pushes consumers to riskier substances: Many kratom users rely on it as an alternative to other potentially more dangerous substances. If SB 2355 passes, they may be forced to seek substitutes. How To Take Action The Global Kratom Coalition urges Mississippi residents to contact key Senators and demand a NO vote on SB 2355. Kratom advocates outside Mississippi can help by encouraging friends and family in the state to do the same. Email and Call These Key Officials Angela Turner-Ford, Chairman Email: [email protected] Phone: 601-359-3237 Angela Burks Hill, Vice-Chairman Phone: 601-359-3237 Advocates should send emails and follow up with phone calls to ensure their voices are heard. Personal stories from consumers can make a powerful impact on legislators considering this harmful legislation. Time Is Running Out – Act Now! Mississippi lawmakers need to hear from kratom consumers, business owners, and advocates across the state and the country before it's too late. The Global Kratom Coalition remains committed to sensible kratom regulation that protects consumers while preserving access to this natural botanical. About the Global Kratom Coalition The Global Kratom Coalition is an alliance of kratom consumers, experts, and industry leaders dedicated to protecting access to kratom while advancing scientific research, driving consumer education, and developing robust regulations to protect consumers.
