Judiciary Committee rejects House Bill 1101 seeking to schedule kratom as a controlled substance

The North Dakota Senate Appropriations Committee met on April 8, 2025, to discuss House Bill 1101, which proposed classifying kratom as a Schedule 1 substance, similar to heroin and other opioids. The committee examined the implications of this classification and found that the federal government has not scheduled kratom, indicating a lack of consensus on its regulation.

During the discussions, committee members expressed concerns about the potential consequences of scheduling kratom. They noted that kratom does not exhibit psychedelic effects and does not suppress the respiratory system like traditional opioids. Furthermore, there were no confirmed deaths directly linked to kratom use, although some individuals who died had multiple substances in their systems.

Ultimately, the committee decided to reject House Bill 1101, recognizing the need for regulation rather than outright scheduling. Stakeholders, including kratom users and distributors, voiced their support for regulation to ensure product safety and purity. They highlighted the presence of "bad actors" in the industry who may adulterate kratom products, posing risks to consumers.

Kratom is often used for mood enhancement, wellness, and as a potential aid for individuals recovering from opioid addiction. Testimonies from users indicated that kratom has helped them transition away from more harmful substances, allowing them to lead productive lives.

The committee's decision to kill the bill reflects a growing acknowledgment of the complexities surrounding kratom and the importance of establishing a regulatory framework to protect consumers while addressing public health concerns.