Overview
- House Bill 5537 would outlaw any product containing parts of Mitragyna speciosa, including extracts, derivatives and synthetic variants.
- Violations would be misdemeanors carrying fines or possible jail time, with stiffer penalties for sales involving people 17 or younger.
- Lead sponsor Rep. Cam Cavitt describes kratom as a public‑health crisis and says the products are being marketed to children.
- The FDA warns kratom can cause liver toxicity, seizures and dependence, and it has urged DEA control of the potent derivative 7‑hydroxymitragynine.
- Opponents favor regulation over prohibition, citing reported pain‑relief and stimulant effects and warning that a ban could drive sales to the black market.