The bill introduces the "Kratom Consumer Protection Act" as a new chapter in Title 21 of the General Laws, which regulates the distribution and sale of kratom products. It defines key terms such as "department," "director," "food," "kratom extract," "kratom product," "processor," and "retailer." The act prohibits the sale of adulterated or contaminated kratom products, those with high levels of certain alkaloids or synthetic alkaloids, and those without proper labeling. It also sets an age limit, prohibiting the sale of kratom products to individuals under 18 years of age.
The bill requires processors to register kratom products annually, provide a certificate of analysis for safety compliance, and report any adverse events related to their products. Processors are subject to administrative fines for violations, ranging from $500 for a first offense to $1,000 for subsequent offenses. Retailers are exempt from violations if they can prove they relied in good faith on the representations of the product from manufacturers or distributors. The act is set to take effect on September 1, 2023.