RIVERHEAD – At Tuesday’s General Meeting of the Suffolk County Legislature in Riverhead, the discussion about what the County should do regarding the drug Kratom continues.
Officials heard lengthy public testimony as debate continued surrounding a proposed countywide ban on Kratom products. This legislation follows Nassau County’s recent prohibition on the sale and distribution of Kratom products.
Kratom is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia whose leaves contain active compounds, primarily mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine (70H), which can produce stimulant-like effects. Many individuals use the substance for energy, pain relief, mood enhancement, focus, relaxation, or to help manage withdrawal symptoms from opioids and other substances.
However, concerns continue to grow surrounding dependency, impairment, contamination, and addiction. Federal agencies, including the FDA, have not approved Kratom for the treatment of pain, anxiety, opioid withdrawal, or any other medical condition, while also warning of possible health risks associated with its use.
During Tuesday’s meeting, speakers from a wide variety of backgrounds addressed legislators, including business owners, members of the sober community, herbal medicine advocates, and Suffolk County residents who shared personal experiences with Kratom use.
One business owner spoke against the proposed ban, arguing that many small businesses and workers across Suffolk County depend upon the legal Kratom industry for their livelihoods. The speaker questioned what would happen to millions of dollars’ worth of legal inventory currently on shelves if the legislation were to pass, and asked Legislators why stricter testing and regulation standards were not being considered instead of prohibition.
Another resident, who said he has studied herbal medicine for more than a decade, also opposed the ban and argued for stronger education, regulation, and responsible use rather than prohibition. The resident stated that banning Kratom would take away what he described as the public’s right to choose herbal products for themselves.
Others shared personal stories regarding how the substance has impacted their lives.
One Suffolk County resident described using Kratom as a form of pain relief after suffering from scoliosis and herniated discs while also being unable to take ibuprofen or other NSAIDs due to allergies. The resident said Kratom had helped him manage chronic pain and argued that responsible users should not lose access because of the actions of others.
The resident also pointed to Rhode Island, where a statewide Kratom ban was later reversed after illegal purchasing reportedly continued despite restrictions. Additionally, he urged Legislators to distinguish natural Kratom leaf products from concentrated 7-0H products, arguing that many consumers may not fully understand the difference between the two.
Legislator Chad Lennon (C-Rocky Point) (pictured right) also voiced concerns regarding impairment and public safety during the discussion. Lennon questioned whether allowing Kratom products to continue being served in Kratom bars could potentially lead to impaired driving situations or workplace safety concerns involving heavy machinery.
Legislator Samuel Gonzalez (D-Brentwood) (pictured left) also had concerns, questioning if repeated Kratom use could lead some individuals to build a tolerance over time, potentially causing users to seek stronger substances in an effort to maintain the same effects or continue managing pain.
Following hours of public testimony and discussion from both supporters and opponents of the proposed legislation, the Suffolk County Legislature voted to recess the bill and revisit the discussion at a later date as officials continue weighing concerns surrounding public safety, regulation, enforcement, and the future of Kratom products in Suffolk County.
