Establishes kratom, otherwise known as mitragyna speciosa korth, as a schedule I controlled substance.
Summary
This bill would amend New York’s Public Health Law to add kratom, also known as mitragyna speciosa korth, to Schedule I of the state’s controlled substances list. Schedule I classification is reserved for substances treated as having a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use under state law. The bill is brief and direct: it inserts kratom into the existing controlled substances schedule and provides for implementation on the ninetieth day after enactment.
If enacted, the measure would make the possession, sale, manufacture, and distribution of kratom subject to New York’s Schedule I drug restrictions and penalties, as applied under the state’s controlled substances framework. It would affect consumers, retailers, distributors, and any other parties handling kratom products in New York, and would likely require state agencies to update regulations and enforcement practices to reflect the new classification.
Impact
The bill would amend section 3306 of the Public Health Law by adding kratom to Schedule I, thereby placing it alongside the most tightly restricted controlled substances under New York law. This would expand the scope of substances regulated by the state’s drug control statutes and could trigger criminal, civil, and administrative consequences for unauthorized possession or trafficking, depending on how existing law applies to Schedule I substances.
Sentiment
No committee transcript or vote record is available in the provided materials, so there is no documented debate or recorded sentiment from legislative proceedings. Based on the bill text alone, the measure is straightforward and regulatory in nature, but the absence of discussion means support or opposition cannot be reliably inferred from the record provided.
Contention
The main point of contention likely concerns whether kratom should be treated as a dangerous controlled substance or as a product with potential therapeutic or consumer use. Potential opponents would include kratom users, retailers, and advocates who may argue that Schedule I placement is too severe, while supporters would likely emphasize public health, abuse potential, and the need for tighter regulation. However, no specific objections or endorsements are documented in the supplied transcripts or votes.