In Rhode Island, the legality of Kratom has been a subject of debate for many years. Fast forward to 2024, and the uncertainty persists. Locals and outsiders alike continue to scour the internet for answers to the burning question, “Is Kratom legal in Rhode Island?” If you are one of them, you’ve come to the right place. Today, through this blog, we will clear all doubts and confusion surrounding the legal status of Kratom in RI. So, stick around till the end as we unravel this mystery for you.
Rhode Island is one of six states in the U.S. that has prohibited the use of Kratom since 2017. Kratom was legal there until May 31, 2017, but the Department of Health made this decision and classified Kratom’s primary active ingredients, mitragynine and 7-hydroxy mitragynine, as Schedule 1 controlled substances. This means these compounds are in the same category as drugs with a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, reflecting the state’s careful approach to Kratom.
Ever since Rhode Island banned Kratom in 2017, state legislators have been introducing bills to repeal the ban and make Kratom legal and regulated in the state. The American Kratom Association (AKA) has been advocating for state-level regulation of Kratom under the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) in recent years.
Four bills were introduced in Rhode Island to overturn the Kratom ban and pass the KCPA. Unfortunately, all of these bills died in Committee.
In 2019, HB 5542 was introduced in the House Health, Education, and Welfare Committee, but it did not move out of the Committee that legislative session.
In 2020, HB 7289 suffered the same fate and was held for further study.
In 2021, HB 5909 was also recommended for further study and was postponed until June 2021.
The 2022 bill, HB 7595, passed the House but did not make it out of the Senate Judiciary Committee.
However, six years later, in June 2023, another attempt was made. Lawmakers in both chambers of the Rhode Island State Legislature introduced bills aimed at legalizing Kratom, signaling a substantial change in their approach to this botanical herb.
On June 12, 2023, the Rhode Island House of Representatives made a big decision by voting to legalize Kratom. The bill, HB 5330, passed with a vote of 39-26, showing that more people are recognizing the potential benefits of Kratom. The bill then went to the Senate Judiciary Committee, but unfortunately, the committee rejected it.
There were a few regulations that would have been needed to be taken into consideration before buying, selling, or possessing any type of Kratom product, if the bill was passed.
Registration Requirement: Kratom vendors will need to register their products with the state.
Proper Labeling: Labels must include directions for safe and effective use by consumers.
Recommended Serving Size: Labels will specify a recommended serving size.
Testing Standards: Products will need to meet specific testing requirements.
Legal Age Change: The minimum legal age for purchasing kratom will be raised from 18 to 21.
Fines for Violations: Violators will face fines of $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for subsequent violations.
The bill was rejected in the senate and Kratom remained banned in 2023 as well. But the progress towards making it legal was noticeable. This progress kept the discussion going in the house and led it to 2024.
The efforts to make Kratom legal continued for the seventh consecutive year with another bill. In June 2024, the bill RI S2704 was passed by the Rhode Island House of Representatives and moved forward to the Senate. The advancement was visible and fascinating for the Kratom fans, as the Senate also passed the bill for the first time. The bill was then sent to be signed by the Governor.
If signed by the Governor, Rhode Island would have become the 45th state to legalize Kratom. However, on June 26th, 2024, the bill was vetoed by the Governor.
While the bill’s veto was undoubtedly a disappointment for Kratom fans in RI, it also marks a turning point. The community’s efforts have not been in vain, and the future holds promise for all supporters in the state. The journey towards a positive change in the Kratom scenario continues, and the potential for success is within reach.
As of 2024, the legal status of kratom in Rhode Island remains uncertain. Despite numerous legislative attempts and increasing support, the recent bill to legalize kratom was vetoed by the governor. The debate continues, with advocates pushing for regulation and opponents citing safety concerns. While the future looks hopeful for kratom legalization, strict regulations will need to be adhered to once it is potentially approved, including registration, proper labeling, testing standards, age restrictions, and penalties for violations. For now, kratom remains illegal in Rhode Island.
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