House passes Kennedy bill that would regulate the distribution of kratom

STATE HOUSE — The House of Representatives today passed legislation introduced by Speaker Pro Tempore Brian Patrick Kennedy (D-Dist. 38, Hopkinton, Westerly) 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) was substantively amended from last year’s version to address concerns that were raised by the governor.

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 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. “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 Senate where similar legislation (2025-S 0792) has been introduced by Sen. Hanna M. Gallo (D-Dist. 27, Cranston, West Warwick).