A bill to ban kratom continues to make its way through the legislative process. The House Criminal Justice Committee voted for the legislation that’s already been approved by the Senate. The committee heard tearful testimony from David Lubrano Sr., who told lawmakers his son took his own life after he could not get over his addiction to kratom.
“You have a chance and the power to put an end to this horrible tragedy this drug is causing,” Lubrano said.
The Mayo Clinic says kratom is an herbal extract that comes from a tree in southeast Asia. It can be used as a stimulant in low doses and as sedative in higher doses.
The bill’s author, Monroe Senator Jay Morris, says kratom use can lead to an elevated heart rate, seizures, psychosis, liver toxicity and even death. Lubrano says his son got hooked on kratom and ended his life.
“So horrible, that my son chose to take his own life rather than go through recovery again,” Lubrano said.
But there are those who say kratom is a better alternative than opioids when it comes to managing pain.
“I found something that helps me and many, many more people, it helps. And you want to take that away from me? Make me a criminal? What am I supposed to do?” an advocate of kratom said.
The man testified how kratom, taken in its pure form, has improved his life after suffering traumatic injuries from a fall.
“I’ve only had positive experience with kratom. More energy, less anxiety, manages pain, zero cravings for alcohol and opiates.”
Opponents of the legislation are urging lawmakers to put more regulations on synthetic marijuana and allow people to buy and possess the pure form.
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