Commissioner discusses kratom inspections and licensing needs amid rising retail sales

The North Dakota Senate Appropriations Committee convened on April 8, 2025, to discuss critical issues surrounding the regulation of substances such as CBD and kratom. A significant focus of the meeting was the need for enhanced inspections and licensing to ensure consumer safety and compliance with state laws.

During the session, officials highlighted the importance of registration and licensing for manufacturers and retailers. The primary goals are to identify and regulate "bad actors" in the market and to ensure that products meet legal standards. The discussion revealed concerns about the potential for adulteration of products, particularly with substances like CBD, which can be altered to create various psychotropic drugs. This underscores the necessity for stringent oversight to protect consumers.

The committee also addressed staffing needs for the regulatory process. Current inspectors are already burdened with responsibilities in the CBD and hemp program, prompting the request for two additional full-time employees to expand coverage across the state. Officials argued that the existing workforce is insufficient to manage the growing number of retail establishments selling these products, which include convenience stores and gas stations.

Senators questioned the necessity of hiring new inspectors, given that current staff are already engaged in inspections. However, the officials maintained that without additional personnel, the state would struggle to effectively monitor compliance and ensure product safety.

The meeting concluded with a discussion on kratom, a substance that is produced and distributed across the United States. While the specifics of its regulation were less clear, it was acknowledged that further research is needed to understand its production and distribution within North Dakota.

Overall, the discussions emphasized the state's commitment to consumer safety through improved regulatory measures and the allocation of necessary resources to enforce compliance in the rapidly evolving market of hemp-derived products.