In 2015, most Americans had never heard of kratom — a Southeast Asian plant long used for its psychoactive properties. In the decade since, it has quietly become widely available in the U.S., gaining notoriety in at least one corner of the public health world: poison control centers.

During that time, National Poison Data System data found an increase of approximately 1,200% in kratom-related exposure reports (from 258 to 3,434), including a marked surge in 2025.
In August, The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued a Health Advisory summarizing a spike in poison control cases related to Kratom and 7-OH, its semi-synthetic derivative. Calls involved individuals from 12 months to 80 years of age; naloxone was administered in 25 cases, and 14 individuals required mechanical ventilation.

The FDA and Department of Health and Human Services have recommended that the Drug Enforcement Agency classify 7-OH as a Schedule 1 controlled substance – placing it in the same category as heroin and LSD. 

But we cannot wait for the federal government to take action. Like so many public health crises, the absence of regulation has already pushed consequences onto our communities. The Carbon County coroner issued a statement this year urging caution after identifying a death caused by kratom. Scranton City Council is actively considering a ban on sales within city limits. Localities should not have to act alone.

Following a 2023 hearing on unregulated intoxicants and extensive consultation with public health experts, we are introducing legislation to establish a regulatory framework for kratom in Pennsylvania. The bill would allow the regulated sale of unadulterated kratom while prohibiting products with chemically inflated concentrations of its most addictive components.
Under the legislation:

• Only natural kratom products would be legal for sale.
• Sales must occur at registered retailers.
• No sales to individuals under 21.
• All products must be labeled to verify natural origin and disclose that the FDA has not evaluated kratom.
• Advertising directed at children would be prohibited.
• Synthetic or otherwise adulterated kratom products would be subject to criminal and civil penalties.

Pennsylvania cannot wait for Washington to act. This proposal offers a responsible path between criminalizing use and leaving the market entirely unregulated. We urge your co-sponsorship.