State Senator Christopher J. Ryan (SD-50) announced the passage of Senate Bill S.8925, legislation that would prohibit the sale, offer for sale, or delivery of products containing dangerous concentrations of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent compound derived from kratom that has been linked to opioid-like effects and growing public health concerns.

 

The bill targets highly concentrated and synthetic 7-OH products that far exceed the naturally occurring levels found in kratom leaves. Under the legislation, products containing 7-OH at concentrations greater than two percent of total alkaloids or more than one milligram per serving would be prohibited from being sold in New York State.

 

"As these products become increasingly available in smoke shops, convenience stores, and online marketplaces, we have a responsibility to act before they create another public health crisis," said Senator Ryan. "These highly concentrated 7-OH products are being marketed with little oversight despite their powerful opioid-like effects and significant addiction concerns. This legislation takes a commonsense approach to protecting consumers, especially young people, from dangerous and unregulated substances while ensuring that New York remains proactive in addressing emerging health threats."

 

Unlike traditional kratom products, which contain only trace amounts of 7-OH, many of the products currently entering the marketplace are manufactured to deliver highly concentrated doses intended to amplify psychoactive effects. Public health advocates and addiction specialists have raised concerns about the addictive potential of these products and the lack of regulatory safeguards surrounding their sale. The legislation establishes civil penalties for violations, including fines of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for subsequent offenses.

 

The bill passed the Senate on June 2 with bipartisan support and now heads to the Assembly for consideration.