Last night, New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed two bipartisan bills that introduce new regulations on the sale of kratom products in the state. The legislation, A.5852 (Steck/Walsh), responds to concerns about kratom, a substance promoted as an “all-natural” supplement despite warnings from federal health authorities about potential risks. Another bill, Assembly Bill A.2340 (McDonald/Walsh), raises the minimum age for purchasing kratom and related products to 21.
“For too long, kratom has been sold without oversight, age limits or clear warnings, leaving families vulnerable to devastating consequences,” said State Rep. Mary Beth Walsh.
Walsh explained her involvement began after being approached by Cari Scribner, a Ballston Spa resident whose son Nick died last November after using kratom for insomnia. “I did not know what kratom was until I was approached by Ballston Spa resident Cari Scribner who lost her son Nick to kratom last November. Always troubled by insomnia, Nick was using kratom in an effort to sleep.He was attracted by the idea that kratom was ‘natural,’ versus a prescription drug.After hearing from Cari, I reached across the aisle to my colleague, Assemblyman Phil Steck, who also chairs the Assembly Committee on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.I am grateful for our work together on this bipartisan issue, and to Assemblyman McDonald for his kratom legislation imposing age restrictions.”
Families throughout New York’s 112th Assembly District have shared stories about how their lives have been affected by the use of kratom.
“These bills strike an important balance,” Walsh added. “They do not remove choice—but they ensure consumers have honest information and that minors are protected. That is the bare minimum we should expect when a product carries real and documented risks.”
Kratom refers both to Mitragyna speciosa—a tree native to Southeast Asia—and its derived products. While some chemical compounds in the plant are known to affect users’ bodies, there is limited research on its long-term health effects.
A number of states have already implemented bans or regulations on kratom; several counties in New York had previously taken local action as well. With these new laws, New York establishes statewide standards intended to promote consumer safety and public health.
Governor Hochul plans to hold a signing ceremony for the new laws on Monday.
