New Jersey Assembly Bill A5129

New Jersey 2024-2025 Regular Session

• Introduced: 12/16/24
• Refer: 12/16/24

Caption

"CJ's Law"; Criminalizes manufacture and distribution of substances containing kratom under certain circumstances.

Impact

The bill would establish a framework for penalizing the manufacture and distribution of kratom, classifying violations into different degrees of criminality based on the amount involved. Specifically, possession or control of kratom weighing one ounce or more would result in a second-degree crime with consequences including imprisonment for up to 10 years and fines up to $150,000, while smaller quantities would constitute a third-degree crime. This law would significantly alter the legal landscape regarding kratom in New Jersey, reflecting an increased effort to manage substances that pose risks to public health and safety.

Summary

Assembly Bill A5129, known as 'CJ's Law', seeks to criminalize the manufacture, possession, and sale of kratom products within the state of New Jersey. This legislative move comes in response to growing concerns regarding the safety and potential for abuse associated with kratom, a botanical substance used for its psychoactive and opioid-like effects. Kratom, also known as mitragyna speciosa, has been linked with serious health risks as noted by the FDA and other health authorities, including dependency, addiction, and a range of negative health effects. The bill aims to amend existing definitions and categorize kratom as a controlled dangerous substance under New Jersey's drug laws.

Contention

There have been mixed responses from various stakeholders regarding the implications of this legislation. Supporters argue that the bill is a crucial step in preventing further tragedies such as the death of CJ Holowach, who was adversely affected by the substance. On the other hand, critics may contend that the legislation could hinder access to kratom for individuals who use it responsibly or as a pain management alternative. Furthermore, there is concern that criminalizing kratom could lead to increased illicit sales and discourage users from seeking help for substance-related issues.