Lawmakers pass bill banning sale of Kratom products in Nassau County
Kratom is a substance often sold at gas stations as an “all-natural herb” for pain, anxiety relief and enhanced energy.
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A bipartisan bill banning the sale and distribution of Kratom products in Nassau County was passed on Monday.
Kratom is a substance often sold at gas stations as an “all-natural herb” for pain, anxiety relief and enhanced energy.
Local lawmakers say it can act like an opioid when consumed in excess.
“Kratom is marketed as safe… but federal health agencies have repeatedly warned otherwise,” stated Legislator Arnold Drucker.
The Food and Drug Administration has previously issued advisories against Kratom, citing the “risk of serious adverse effects.”
Those effects can include “dependency, liver toxicity, seizures and substance use disorder,” Drucker explains.
Recent state regulations banned the sale of Kratom to people under 21 and required the use of warning labels.
Nassau lawmakers say the new bill takes that a step further, removing the products from shelves altogether.
Violators can face fines and up to one year in jail, according to officials.
RELATED: What you need to know about the use of herbal product Kratom
