David Hogue Urges Total Ban on Kratom in North Dakota

David Hogue, the North Dakota Senate Majority Leader, is advocating for a total ban on both synthetic and natural kratom. Hogue based his position on reports from emergency room doctors regarding the dangers of the substance and the severity of its withdrawal symptoms, which he compared to coming off opiates.

The North Dakota State Legislature is scheduled to hold a special session to consider bills that would ban synthetic kratom and prohibit the sale of natural kratom to individuals under 21. Hogue argues that these measures do not go far enough and insists on a comprehensive ban to ensure public safety.

Addressing the estimated $150,000 to $170,000 cost of the special session, Hogue dismissed the expense as an insignificant factor when compared to the safety of young people using the substance.