Natural & Synthetic Kratom Facing Proposed Ban In Rensselaer County

When I was in college, friends and I would spend our evenings over the summer at Kava bars. While we didn't usually partake in the drinks there, it was a great space to hang out. (R.I.P. Tributes in Tampa)

Alongside Kava, these bars also sold Kratom. Now, that substance is facing a ban in a Capital Region county...

Get our free mobile app

What is Kratom?

Kratom is a tree in southeast Asia whose leaves can be used to make a substance sold across America. It's used to self-treat a variety of issues like anxiety, depression, and general pain.

A cup of Kratom tean

There are both natural and synthetic versions, with the synthetic being known colloquially as "Gas Station Heroin". They are incredibly addictive, and give opioid-like effects. While it is legal for sale in the United States, national and international agencies believe it could cause serious harm.

Kratom Ban

Legislator Bruce Patire of Rensselaer County has proposed a total ban of the substance in the county, both natural and synthetic. This comes on the heels of multiple deaths related to the substance in the Capital Region, as well as states like Vermont and areas like Washington County banning it outright.

The ban would effect both the sale and distribution of Kratom, with the intent to protect the children of the county. This is one of the largest new addictions in America, and lawmakers are hoping to get restrictions on it before it becomes as big as other addictive substances.

For the moment, the substance is restricted to those 21 and up, but lawmakers believe that's still not enough.