Georgia’s Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) officially went into effect on January 1, 2025, creating a framework for consumer safety and vendor guidelines in the state. The Global Kratom Coalition celebrates this landmark legislation for setting a new standard for consumer safety and responsible kratom regulation, protecting public health while ensuring access to natural kratom products.
The bill (HB 181) authored by state Rep. Rick Townsend (R-St. Simons Island), includes robust regulations meant to give clarity for kratom vendors. Among the key provisions, the law makes it illegal to sell kratom to anyone under 21 years of age, use or sell kratom products intended for vaporization via electronic cigarettes, pipes, or similar devices, and sell kratom products outside of secured, staff-accessible displays in retail establishments.
"Representative Rick Townsend has demonstrated extraordinary leadership and fortitude in crafting and advancing legislation that prioritizes consumer safety while ensuring responsible access to kratom," said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. "His unwavering commitment to rigorous standards and public health has resulted in a law that sets a strong standard for kratom regulation, providing a model for other states to follow."
Limits on Dangerous Adulterants
The law also prohibits the sale of adulterated or synthetic kratom products, including those containing unapproved additives or very high levels of the synthetic alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine, otherwise known as ‘7’. Specifically, the law limits kratom products to more than 150 mg of mitragynine per serving, no more than 0.5 mg of 7-hydroxymitragynine per gram, and no more than 1 mg of 7-hydroxymitragynine per serving.
The law also prohibits the sale of adulterated or synthetic kratom products, including those containing unapproved additives or very high levels of the synthetic alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine, otherwise known as ‘7’. Specifically, the law limits kratom products to more than 150 mg of mitragynine per serving, no more than 0.5 mg of 7-hydroxymitragynine per gram, and no more than 1 mg of 7-hydroxymitragynine per serving.
"Products with high concentrations of 7-hydroxymitragynine are not kratom," said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. "These unregulated, synthetic products pose a threat to consumers and undermine the integrity of natural kratom. Georgia’s law is model regulation that prioritizes public safety over profits."
Leading kratom researchers from the University of Florida and Johns Hopkins University support strict regulation of 7-hydroxymitragynine, stating, “7-hydroxymitragynine products aren’t kratom and should be classified as drugs.” Their full statement can be accessed on the Global Kratom Coalition’s website: https://globalkratomcoalition.org/scientists-statement.
Success in the Face of Opposition
The American Kratom Association (AKA) has opposed portions of Georgia’s law. In recent news reports, AKA Senior Fellow Mac Haddow dismissed the Georgia KCPA, suggesting the bill was politically motivated and ONLY benefited trial attorneys and not consumers. The GKC refutes these claims. The Georgia KCPA sets a strong standard for safe kratom products and sets the foundation upon which a more robust regulatory structure can be implemented.
The American Kratom Association (AKA) has opposed portions of Georgia’s law. In recent news reports, AKA Senior Fellow Mac Haddow dismissed the Georgia KCPA, suggesting the bill was politically motivated and ONLY benefited trial attorneys and not consumers. The GKC refutes these claims. The Georgia KCPA sets a strong standard for safe kratom products and sets the foundation upon which a more robust regulatory structure can be implemented.
About the Global Kratom Coalition
The Global Kratom Coalition is an alliance of kratom consumers, experts, and industry leaders dedicated to protecting access to kratom while advancing scientific research, driving consumer education, and developing robust regulations to protect consumers. For more information about the Georgia KCPA or the Global Kratom Coalition, visit www.globalkratomcoalition.org.
The Global Kratom Coalition is an alliance of kratom consumers, experts, and industry leaders dedicated to protecting access to kratom while advancing scientific research, driving consumer education, and developing robust regulations to protect consumers. For more information about the Georgia KCPA or the Global Kratom Coalition, visit www.globalkratomcoalition.org.
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