(Dec 05, 2025) Rep. Emily Kinkead
HARRISBURG, Dec. 5 – State Reps. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, and Jim Prokopiak, D-Bucks, have introduced legislation to regulate kratom — a substance with psychoactive effects that mimic those of opioids — which is currently unregulated in Pennsylvania. Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, is often consumed to reduce fatigue, manage pain or withdrawal symptoms, and to alleviate anxiety or depression. It can be ingested as teas, powders, capsules, liquids, or by chewing or smoking the leaves. However, because kratom can activate the same neurotransmitter receptors as opioids, prolonged or heavy use may lead to addiction, and independent tests have repeatedly shown that kratom products sometimes contain undisclosed or harmful additives. New synthetic kratom products, known as 7-OH, are particularly harmful and addictive. While the federal government has not formally regulated kratom, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration designates it as a “drug and chemical of concern.” In response to growing health and safety concerns, several states have enacted regulatory schemes or bans. Currently, Pennsylvania does not have a comprehensive regulatory framework and kratom is currently readily available – and often marketed – to children and young adults. House Bill 2058 , which is similar to the successful kratom regulation law in Utah, would: Prohibit the sale or distribution of kratom products to individuals under the age Read more