This bill seeks to repeal multiple sections of the Code of West Virginia related to the regulation of kratom under the Select Plant-Based Derivatives Regulation Act. The provisions being repealed encompass a wide range of regulatory aspects, including the short title, definitions, permits for processors and retailers, rule-making authority, age verification requirements, taxation, application fees, cooperative enforcement agreements, mandatory labeling, contraband seizures, and associated criminal violations and penalties.

In addition to the repeal, the bill amends existing laws to classify kratom and its components as Schedule I controlled substances, specifically including substances derived from the kratom plant such as 7-Hydroxymitragynine, Mitragyna speciosa, and Mitragynine pseudoindoxyl. This reclassification aims to impose stricter regulations on the use and distribution of kratom, alongside a comprehensive list of other psychoactive substances that would also fall under this classification. The bill further addresses the temporary listing of certain substances for emergency scheduling, reflecting a commitment to enhance public health and safety by regulating substances associated with significant health risks.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 60-10-2, 60A-2-204