Overview
- Gov. Kathy Hochul signed two bipartisan measures that bar kratom sales to anyone under 21 and require labels stating serious health risks and that the product is not FDA-approved.
- Labels must also list all ingredients and warn that kratom may be addictive and may interact poorly with other drugs or medications, according to the legislation.
- Retailers face fines of up to $500 per offense for violations such as underage sales or improper labeling, Newsday reported.
- Hochul said kratom is often marketed as harmless despite potential danger, citing New Yorkers who died after using kratom products and appearing with a bereaved mother at the bill signing.
- The governor cited roughly 100 deaths in New York last year linked to kratom and referenced federal health warnings about risks associated with concentrated powders and gummies.