Regulation is best approach to kratom

Re: Rolling Meadows bans retail sale of THC products, Oct. 23: In the past month, the City of Lockport and the City of Rolling Meadows have decided to ban the dietary supplement kratom. As the leader of the Global Kratom Coalition, representing kratom consumers and vendors, I believe this is a hasty and unwise approach.

For other Illinois cities and the state of Illinois, I believe an alternative approach, in the form of regulations, would deliver a better outcome.

Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, has been used for centuries for its natural benefits, such as mood and energy enhancement. For roughly 24 million consumers in the U.S., kratom is a welcome part of their regular wellness routine.

In recent local actions, I believe municipalities are overreacting to misleading headlines and out-of-date sources. The answer for some officials is to simply do away with kratom altogether. Regulations would be a much better approach.

Common-sense regulations would prohibit selling products to individuals under 21 years of age. Regulations would also prohibit the sale of products that are attractive to children, such as those resembling candy or containing color additives. A local ordinance should only permit kratom products to be sold behind the counter or in a secure case that is only accessible to store staff.

Regulations should prohibit the sale or distribution of kratom products containing any synthesized kratom alkaloids or constituents that alter the natural composition of the plant (kratom products must not contain more than 2% of 7-hydroxymitragynine in their alkaloid composition). Ordinances should also establish penalties for violations.

For residents in the Chicago suburbs and other Illinois areas who advocate for kratom, I urge readers to call on state lawmakers to implement regulations.

Matthew Lowe, Executive Director

Global Kratom Coalition