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6/20/2025
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General Assembly approves bill that would regulate the distribution of kratom
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STATE HOUSE — The General Assembly today passed legislation introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore Hanna M. Gallo and Speaker of the House Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy that would regulate the distribution of kratom, a natural substance grown primarily in Indonesia that is used by people to overcome opioid addiction, withdrawal, and to treat anxiety, depression and other ailments.
Similar legislation was passed by the General Assembly last year, but was vetoed by Gov. Dan McKee. This year’s bill (2025-H 5565A, 2025-S 0792A) was substantively amended from last year’s version to address concerns that were raised by the governor.
“Rhode Island is facing a deadly opioid crisis, and we must embrace every tool available to reduce harm and to save lives,” said Senator Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick), who worked with all the various stakeholders to craft the new legislation. “Kratom is used by many to manage pain and to ease opioid withdrawal symptoms. Rhode Island remains the only New England state where this substance is prohibited. This legislation replaces prohibition with sensible regulations.”
The Rhode Island Kratom Act would ban the adulteration of kratom with a dangerous non-kratom substance as to render the product injurious to a consumer. The act would require that any kratom product contain adequate labeling, as well as directions necessary for safe and effective use by consumers.
“After last year’s session, I was able to sit down with the governor and his staff, and we received a lot of input from the Department of Health,” said Representative Kennedy (D-Dist. 38, Hopkinton, Westerly). “Much of the language that is in this act comes directly from the Department of Health and the Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals. Also, since last year’s legislation did not contain a means by which taxes would be collected, this bill addresses that issue as well. Kratom is known by many to be a relief for acute and chronic pain as well as anxiety. With this act, the product would be available from Maine to Florida.”
Under the terms of the legislation, kratom would have to be kept behind a sales counter and could not be sold to anyone under the age of 21.
The measure now moves to the governor’s office.
For more information, contact:
Daniel Trafford, Publicist
State House Room 20
Providence, RI 02903
(401)222-1922
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