Kratom, a plant used for thousands of years for its medicinal properties, is facing a potential ban in Washington State, with the officials considering reclassifying it as a Schedule I controlled substance.
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa).
In order to voice their opinions, advocates are being urged to submit comments and participate in a listening session scheduled for February 6, 2025. Those interested in submitting oral comments at the meeting can sign up by emailing [email protected] by noon on January 23, 2025. Written comments will be accepted until noon on January 30, 2025.
This move stems from a CR-101 (a formal document used in the rulemaking process by Washington state agencies) filed by the Pharmacy Quality Assurance Commission in August 2024, which initiated the process of reviewing kratom’s legal status. While the commission discussed the issue during its December 2024 meeting, it decided further input was necessary before proceeding. This decision highlights the contentious debate over kratom’s benefits versus potential risks.
The commission specifically seeks feedback on topics such as kratom’s potential for abuse, scientific evidence of its pharmacological effects, patterns of misuse, and its impact on public health. Each oral comment at the February meeting will be limited to ten minutes per speaker.
Kratom remains legal in most states but is prohibited in six. In 2025 alone, legislation addressing kratom has already been introduced in seven states, reflecting a growing focus on regulating the substance.
