Suffolk County lawmakers are considering legislation to ban the sale of certain kratom products, often referred to as “gas station heroin,” while carving out an exemption for the natural plant.
The revised bill targets synthetic kratom in pill, capsule, and liquid vial forms, acknowledging concerns about the substances found alongside kratom in the market. "I’m not in favor of an all-out ban," said Deputy Presiding Officer James Mazzarella, the bill’s sponsor, during a county legislature meeting. "But there are so many chemicals, alkaloids, and other substances that we’re finding in the market being sold along with kratom — so this legislature has to take a stand, it’s just a matter of how we get to that point."
The proposed legislation aligns closely with a state bill passed earlier this month that seeks to ban a synthetic kratom derivative, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). However, Suffolk lawmakers have indicated they do not wish to await the governor's signature on the state bill, opting to enact local measures.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has previously issued warnings regarding kratom, stating it has not been approved and can lead to opioid-like effects, addiction, liver damage, nausea, and seizures. Despite these warnings, kratom is frequently marketed as an energy booster and pain reliever. In Suffolk County, individuals under 21 are already prohibited from purchasing the substance. Neighboring Nassau County has implemented a complete ban on kratom sales.
This legislative session marked the fourth public hearing on the matter. The record for public comment will remain open until the legislature's next meeting on July 14, when a potential vote on the bill is scheduled.
