Massachusetts 2023-2024 Regular Session

Massachusetts House Bill H3762

Introduced
4/10/23  

Caption

Concerning the regulation of Kratom

Impact

The impact of H3762 is significant, as it aims to amend Chapter 270 of the General Laws to enhance consumer safety regarding kratom products. This bill introduces a penalty structure for those who violate its provisions, including administrative fines for offenses related to the sale of adulterated or improperly labeled kratom. Additionally, it imposes stricter regulations by prohibiting sales to individuals under the age of 21, thereby targeting young consumers who might be at higher risk from the adulteration of these products. The enforcement mechanisms and penalties included in the bill aim to ensure compliance and deter violations.

Summary

House Bill 3762 is a legislative proposal in Massachusetts aimed at regulating the sale and distribution of kratom products, which are derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant. The bill aims to establish safety standards and penalties for processors and retailers involved in the kratom supply chain. It specifically prohibits the sale of kratom products that are adulterated with dangerous non-kratom substances, thereby seeking to protect consumers from potentially harmful products. By defining kratom extracts and the roles of processors and retailers, the bill provides a legal framework for the handling of these products.

Contention

While proponents argue that this regulation is necessary for public health and safety, there may be contention regarding the extent of regulation versus personal freedom in the availability of kratom products. Critics might express concerns over potential overreach or unintended consequences of the regulations, arguing that they could limit access for legitimate consumers or dissuade small businesses from selling kratom. Additionally, there is the challenge of establishing effective monitoring and enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance without imposing undue burdens on legitimate sellers.

Companion Bills

MA H4490

Similar To Relative to the safe operation of motor vehicles

MA H4607

Similar To REPORT of the SPECIAL JOINT COMMITTEE on INITIATIVE PETITIONS on the INITIATIVE PETITION of SARKO GERGERIAN AND OTHERS FOR THE PASSAGE OF AN ACT RELATIVE TO THE REGULATION AND TAXATION OF NATURAL PSYCHEDELIC SUBSTANCES (see House, No. 4255)

MA H4602

Similar To Relative to increasing professional licensure opportunities

MA H4840

Similar To Relative to the regulation of money transmission by the Division of Banks

MA H4985

Replaced by Concerning the regulation of kratom

Previously Filed As

MA H4985

Concerning the regulation of kratom

MA H2454

Concerning the regulation of kratom

MA S1609

Concerning the regulation of Kratom

MA H0425

An act relating to the regulation of kratom products

MA S0128

An act relating to the regulation of kratom products

MA SB2244

Kratom; authorize regulation of and prohibit certain products.

MA SB2736

Kratom; authorize regulation of and prohibit certain products.

MA SB2403

Kratom; authorize regulation of and prohibit certain products.

MA SB2429

Kratom; authorize regulation of and prohibit certain products.

MA HB2084

Enacting the kratom consumer protection act, defining kratom as a food product, prohibiting the sale of kratom that is adulterated, requiring persons to be at least 18 years of age for the purchase of such product, establishing civil fines for violations of the act and requiring the secretary of agriculture to adopt rules and regulations for the administration of the act.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.