HELENA — Montana lawmakers are under pressure to regulate kratom, a plant-derived substance marketed as a mood stabilizer, with House Bill 407 sparking debate in the House Business and Labor Committee. The proposed “Kratom Consumer Protection Act,” modeled after the American Kratom Association’s legislation, aims to prohibit sales to those under 18 and set potency limits for kratom products.
While some tout kratom as a pain relief alternative, others raise concerns about dependency and health risks. A “Wild West” market has emerged in Montana, with calls for action to distinguish between synthetic and natural products.
Rep. Nelly Nicol, R-Billings, welcomes amendments to the bill to ensure passage. While the American Kratom Association supports the bill, they are open to raising the age restriction to 21 and implementing taxes or fees to fund enforcement. With varying opinions on the substance, lawmakers are pressured to fill the regulatory void.