Kratom is a natural herb that has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia for various purposes, including pain relief, energy boost, and mood enhancement. However, the legal status of kratom in the United States is not clear, as different states have different laws and regulations regarding its use and sale. In this blog post, we will explore the history of kratom legality in New Jersey, one of the most populous states in the country.

Kratom Legality in New Jersey – The Current Status

Kratom is legal in New Jersey in 2023, but the state is considering regulating its sale. There is no age restriction on who can buy or use kratom.

The FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use, and it has raised concerns about the safety of this herb. Some people have reported side effects from kratom, such as nausea, vomiting, and seizures. However, other studies have shown that kratom can be safe when used responsibly.

Kratom Legality in New Jersey: A Timeline of Events

Kratom Legality in New Jersey in 2023: Kratom Consumer Protection Act – Amendments

In June 2023, after several hearings and amendments for bill NJ S3549:

• Kratom vendors must register with the Department of Health and pay an annual fee of $500
• Kratom products must be labeled with information such as ingredients, net weight, alkaloid content (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine), batch number, expiration date, and a warning statement
• Kratom products must be tested by a certified laboratory for contaminants such as heavy metals, pesticides, bacteria, and fungi.
• Kratom products must not contain more than 2% of 7-hydroxymitragynine or any other synthetic alkaloids or substances
• Kratom products must not be sold to anyone under the age of 18
• Kratom vendors must comply with the rules and regulations of the Department of Health and the Attorney General

The law also established a Kratom Advisory Council, composed of representatives from the Department of Health, the Attorney General's Office, the AKA, the kratom industry, and the medical and scientific community. The council is responsible for reviewing and evaluating the safety and efficacy of kratom and making recommendations to the Legislature and the Governor regarding its regulation.

The enactment of the KCPA in New Jersey was celebrated by kratom advocates and consumers as a major victory for kratom rights and access. The law also set an example for other states that are considering regulating or banning kratom in the future.

Kratom Legality in New Jersey in 2022: Kratom Consumer Protection Act Proposed

In January 2022, Assemblywoman Annette Quijano introduced bill NJ S3549, which proposed to regulate the sale and distribution of kratom in New Jersey under the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). The KCPA is a model legislation that has been adopted by several states across the country, including Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, Utah, Oregon, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Colorado, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida. The KCPA aims to ensure that kratom products are safe and pure for consumers by setting standards for labeling, testing, packaging, and age restrictions. The KCPA also prohibits the sale of adulterated or synthetic kratom products that contain other substances or higher concentrations of alkaloids than naturally occurring in the plant. The bill was referred to the Assembly Health Committee for further consideration.

Kratom Legality in New Jersey in 2021: Kratom Remains Legal

As of December 2021, kratom remains legal in New Jersey, as there is no current ban or regulation on its sale or possession. However, there is also no quality control or consumer protection for kratom products in the state. Therefore, it is important for kratom users to be careful and vigilant when buying kratom from local vendors or online sources. It is advisable to look for reputable and reliable vendors who test their products for purity and potency and provide lab results upon request. It is also recommended to avoid buying kratom from gas stations, head shops, or convenience stores, as these places may sell low-quality or adulterated products that could pose health risks.

Kratom Legality in New Jersey in 2020: The Third Attempt to Ban Kratom

In January 2020, Assemblyman Dancer made another attempt to ban kratom by reintroducing the same bill as NJ A2236. The bill was once again referred to the Assembly Law and Public Safety Committee. However, this time, the committee decided to hold a hearing on the bill on March 5th, 2020. The hearing was attended by several kratom advocates and experts, who presented scientific evidence and personal stories in favor of keeping kratom legal. Some of the speakers included Dr. Jack Henningfield, a leading addiction expert and pharmacologist; Mac Haddow, the senior fellow on public policy at the AKA; and C.M. “Mac” Warner, a former U.S. Army Special Forces officer and West Virginia Secretary of State. The committee members listened to the testimonies and asked questions about kratom's benefits and risks. The hearing ended without a vote on the bill.

Sources: Is Kratom Legal in New Jersey?