Rhode Island lawmakers are considering House Bill 5565, which would ban synthetic kratom products while allowing regulated access to natural kratom. In a recent Providence Journal column, Lora Romney, president of the International Plant & Herbal Alliance, explains that the real risks come from synthetic analogs—especially those with high levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)—rather than from the natural kratom plant.
Romney highlights that natural kratom is well-studied and has not been found dangerously addictive by federal research. She notes the FDA has not classified kratom as dangerous, and that most safety concerns stem from mislabeled or adulterated products. The proposed bill would require proper labeling and age restrictions, aiming to protect consumers while ensuring safe kratom remains available in Rhode Island.
