North Dakota Lawmakers Advance Plan to Ban Synthetic Kratom

North Dakota lawmakers unanimously approved a two-part legislative package on August 18 to restrict kratom, advancing the measures to a special session scheduled for September 2. Governor Kelly Armstrong called the session in response to rising public health concerns regarding kratom-related overdoses.

The first proposal, sponsored by Senator Michelle Axtman, would classify synthetic kratom derivatives, such as 7-hydroxymitragynine, as Schedule I controlled substances. This classification would carry a tiered penalty structure ranging from infractions to Class C felonies. The second proposal, introduced by Representative Pat Heinert, focuses on natural leaf kratom. It establishes regulatory oversight including a minimum purchase age of 21, mandatory product labeling, and retailer licensing managed by the state Attorney General.

Mac Haddow of the American Kratom Association supports the ban on synthetic versions, which he characterizes as opioids, but argues that natural leaf products should be regulated rather than banned. However, critics maintain that the state lacks the resources and authority to verify that products sold as natural have not been chemically altered. The legislative package also allocates $20,000 to the Department of Health and Human Services for youth outreach.