The "Kratom Consumer Protection Act" is a proposed legislation that seeks to regulate the preparation, distribution, sale, and advertisement of kratom products within Title 21 of the General Laws. Kratom, which comes from the Mitragyna speciosa plant, would be legally sold as a dietary ingredient or supplement in various forms. The bill defines key terms related to kratom, sets limitations on the products to prevent those that are adulterated or dangerous, and requires adequate labeling for safe use. It mandates that processors register each kratom product annually with the civil division, providing a certificate of analysis from an accredited laboratory, and imposes an annual registration fee on retailers. Non-compliance with these regulations could lead to denial or revocation of product registration.

Furthermore, the bill amends the Rhode Island Uniform Controlled Substances Act by removing the active compounds in kratom from the list of Schedule I controlled substances, thus acknowledging the potential for legitimate use. It limits the director of health's authority to classify these substances as Schedule I. The bill also establishes penalties for violations, including fines and potential revocation of a retailer's registration for repeated offenses. Retailers are protected from liability if they can demonstrate good faith reliance on manufacturers' or distributors' representations. Kratom products would be subject to sales and use tax, and the act is intended to take effect on January 1, 2025. It also notes that federal regulations on kratom would take precedence over this chapter.

Statutes affected:
2704  SUB A: 21-28-2.03
2704: 21-28-2.3