Global Kratom Coalition Supports Legislative Bill 230 to Protect Kratom Consumers in Nebraska

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) announced today its strong support for Legislative Bill 230 (LB 230), introduced by Nebraska State Senator Bob Hallstrom (District 1). The bill, titled “LB 230 - Adopt the Kratom Consumer Protection Act,” takes steps to ensure consumers of kratom are protected through responsible regulation.

Kratom, which has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia, is now consumed by millions of Americans, with an estimated 24 million individuals in the U.S. relying on it in a responsible and safe way. LB 230 seeks to create a legal framework that regulates the kratom industry, ensuring that consumers have access to safe and properly labeled products while discouraging dangerous synthetic or adulterated alternatives.

“We commend Senator Hallstrom for introducing LB 230, which is a much-needed measure to protect kratom consumers in Nebraska,” said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition. “This bill takes a thoughtful and balanced approach to regulation, focusing on consumer safety while maintaining access to a product that many people rely on for their health and well-being."

LB 230’s provisions create a regulatory environment that promotes both consumer safety and responsible business practices, ensuring that kratom products are marketed and sold with clear and accurate information.

LB 230’s important consumer protections include specifying that kratom products are prohibited for sale to individuals under the age of 21, requiring age verification for online retailers, and prohibiting the manufacturing of products that may appeal to children. Under LB 230, labels also must include warnings against use for pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers, calls for consumers to consult with healthcare practitioners before using kratom, and warnings on the label that kratom can be habit forming. The bill also mandates that products should have clear instructions for how to safely consume the product. 

Kratom is widely used by millions of Americans for mood enhancement, energy, and wellness. As more states move to regulate, rather than ban kratom, the focus should be on creating systems that ensure safety and efficacy without limiting consumer access.

The Global Kratom Coalition firmly believes regulation versus a ban is the most effective way to protect consumers and maintain a safe market for kratom. 

“We understand that lawmakers are concerned about the potential risks of kratom, and we fully support measures that protect consumers,” said Lowe. “However, a blanket ban, as seen in some other states, would only drive the market underground, leading to unregulated, unsafe products. Regulation, on the other hand, ensures that consumers have access to high-quality, properly labeled kratom while prohibiting dangerous synthetic or altered products that can pose real risks.”

LB 230 addresses the Global Kratom Coalition’s foremost concern about synthetic products that contain high levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as “7,” and other unknown new chemical entities. LB 230 ensures a kratom product “does not contain any synthesized kratom alkaloids, other synthesized kratom constituents, or synthesized metabolites of any kratom constituent; and does not contain a level of 7-hydroxymitragynine in the alkaloid fraction that is greater than two percent of the alkaloid composition of the kratom product.”

Products that exceed this threshold should not be considered kratom nor labeled as a kratom product. Many of these products contain over 100 times more 7-hydroxymitragynine than found in unmanipulated kratom products and lack the full spectrum of kratom’s other alkaloids. Also, the synthetic process introduces at least eight unidentified chemical compounds that may be harmful to consumers. Despite this, organizations like the Holistic Alternate Recovery Trust (HART) are promoting "7" as a remedy for opioid addiction and chronic pain. To be absolutely clear: "7" is neither kratom nor a dietary supplement—it is an unapproved new drug.

The Global Kratom Coalition’s stance on “7” products is also supported by leading scientists in the kratom research field. In a 2024 statement, experts noted that scientific research supports the safe use of natural kratom products when properly regulated but also acknowledged that synthetic kratom products, which contain higher levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine and unknown chemical compounds, are dangerous and need to be more strictly controlled.

By adopting the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, Nebraska would be taking a responsible and science-based approach to regulating the kratom market, ensuring that consumers have access to safe and effective products while also addressing the risks associated with synthetic or manipulated alternatives.

The Global Kratom Coalition urges Nebraska lawmakers to move forward with LB 230 to protect consumers and create a safe environment for kratom users. By adopting this legislation, Nebraska will join the growing number of states that are choosing regulation over prohibition, ensuring that kratom remains available for those who use it responsibly.

“We applaud Senator Hallstrom’s leadership in introducing this bill, and we call on the Nebraska legislature to support it,” said Lowe. “Regulation, not prohibition, is the key to ensuring a safe and accessible kratom market. LB 230 is a step in the right direction for Nebraska and for the millions of Americans who benefit from kratom.”

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 Global Kratom Coalition, visit www.globalkratomcoalition.org.