The Colorado Kratom Consumer Act: A Well-Intentioned But Misguided Idea

1. It will create a black market for Kratom and other herbal supplements.

By imposing burdensome regulations and fees on Kratom processors, the act could drive many out of business, leaving a void in the market that could be filled by unscrupulous vendors. These vendors could produce and sell unregulated and potentially dangerous Kratom products, which could lead to serious health consequences for consumers.

2. It will increase the production and sale of contaminated Kratom products.

If the regulations imposed by the act prove too costly or difficult to comply with, some Kratom processors may turn to cheaper and less safe methods of production. This could result in an increase in the production and sale of contaminated Kratom products, which could be laced with dangerous and illicit drugs like fentanyl.

3. It conflates Kratom with dangerous illicit drugs like fentanyl.

The act requires Kratom products to be free of contaminants, including fentanyl. While this requirement is well-intentioned, it is also misleading and conflates Kratom, a legal and safe supplement, with illicit Schedule 1 opioids that are driving the opioid crisis in America currently and killing 100,000+ people per year. This false association, (which the United States’ own Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) refuted when they refused to schedule Kratom at all), could lead to further stigmatization of Kratom and the people who use it, despite the fact that it has helped many people manage chronic pain and other health conditions safely and effectively.

4. It will limit access to Kratom for those who rely on it for pain management.

The regulations and fees imposed by the act could make Kratom too expensive for some people to afford. This could limit access to Kratom for those who rely on it for pain management, and force them to turn to more dangerous and addictive opioids for relief.

5. The act criminalizes anyone under 21 caught possessing Kratom, which will encourage the black market and introduce young people to more dangerous drugs.

One of the most concerning aspects of the proposed Kratom Act is that it criminalizes anyone under 21 caught possessing Kratom. This could lead to significant unintended consequences, such as an increase in the black market for Kratom and the introduction of young people to even more dangerous drugs. As seen with other significantly more harmful substances, such as alcohol and cigarettes, criminalizing the possession of Kratom is unlikely to prevent young people from using it, will increase young people’s access to more harmful alternatives. and will likely do more harm than good.

6. It fails to address the root causes of the opioid epidemic.

The act is aimed at regulating Kratom, but it does not address the root causes of the opioid epidemic. These include over-prescription of opioids by doctors, lack of access to affordable healthcare, and social and economic factors that contribute to drug addiction. By focusing on Kratom, the act misses an opportunity to address these underlying issues and prevent future opioid addiction and overdose.

7. It undermines the freedom of choice for consumers.

Ultimately, the Kratom Consumer Protection Act limits the freedom of choice for consumers who want to use Kratom as a safe and effective alternative to prescription opioids. By imposing burdensome regulations and fees, the act makes it harder for consumers to access Kratom and forces them to rely on more dangerous and addictive drugs.