The Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act passed the legislature unanimously and goes into effect July 1, 2023. Polk County Sheriff Gray Judd is warning businesses as the new law’s effective date approaches.
“The Florida Legislature reviewed the current information regarding the health effects of kratom and determined that to promote the safety and health of children and young adults in Florida that kratom sales should be restricted to only those 21 and older,” said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.
“My message to business owners in this county: educate your employees that it will be illegal to sell kratom to those who are under 21 and that they need to check IDs prior to a sale, just like they do for alcohol. We have great retailers in Polk County, and we expect a smooth implementation of this new law. But for those who illegally sell kratom to those under 21, you will be criminally charged with a second degree misdemeanor and taken to jail,” said Judd.
In the news: Florida AG Moody, Sheriff Judd Briefed Media On $600k Home Depot Theft Ring “Operation Heavy Lift”
This new law makes it illegal to “sell, deliver, barter, furnish, or give, directly or indirectly, any kratom product to a person under 21 years of age.”
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Service is creating new regulations for business who sell kratom, one of which will require customers to present their identification for age verification, much like is already in place for alcohol and tobacco sales, before purchasing kratom.
What is Kratom?
Kratom is a product derived from kratom trees typically found in Southeast Asia. There are possible dangerous side effects associated with drinking kratom tea or consuming kratom in other ways.
According to the National Institutes of Health, National Institute on Drug Abuse: “Kratom commonly refers to an herbal substance that can produce opioid- and stimulant-like effects. Kratom and kratom-based products are currently legal and accessible in many areas, though U.S. and international agencies continue to review emerging evidence to inform kratom policy.
Is kratom safe? U.S. and international agencies have expressed concern that kratom products may cause serious harm. There are no uses for kratom approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and the FDA has warned consumers not to use kratom products because of potential adverse effects.
The FDA, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and NIDA support and conduct research to measure and better understand the short- and long-term safety risks of kratom use and inform policy around kratom regulation.”
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps.