Freeholder Vicari supports legislation to make kratom illegal

Ocean County Freeholder Joseph H. Vicari recently announced his support for proposed legislation sponsored by state Assemblyman Ronald S. Dancer of the 12th District that would amend the state statute to include kratom as a controlled dangerous substance.

Kratom, a substance that comes from the leaves of a tropical tree by the same name, is often marketed on the Internet for its psychoactive and opioid-like analgesic effects. It is not approved in the U.S. for any medical use, Vicari said.

Photo via Google
The substance comes from the
leaves of a tropical tree.

“This drug can cause dependency and lead to addiction, much like heroin,” the freeholder said. “Before it becomes too great a problem, it needs to be labeled a controlled dangerous substance and made illegal.”

The proposed bill would make it a crime of the second degree to manufacture, distribute or dispense, possess or possess with intent to distribute a substance containing kratom, including adulterants and dilutants, in the amount of 1 ounce or more, Vicari explained.

According to the Food and Drug Administration, scientific literature has revealed concerns regarding the toxicity of kratom in multiple organ systems. If consumed, the FDA said, it can lead to a number of health complications, including respiratory depression, nervousness, agitation, aggression, sleeplessness, hallucinations, delusions, loss of libido, tremors, skin hyperpigmentation, nausea, vomiting, constipation and severe withdrawal symptoms.

As officials continue to raise awareness and educate the public about the dangers of drugs such as heroin and the deadly effects they can have, it is also necessary to inform people that substances such as kratom are addicting and deadly, too, Vicari said.

Although possession and distribution of kratom is not currently barred by federal or state law, it is illegal in several countries, including Australia, Malaysia and Thailand. Kratom is also illegal in Tennessee, and several other states have introduced legislation that would ban the substance.

“We need to follow the actions of Tennessee and other states and label this illegal in order to institute penalties for its use and distribution,” Vicari said. “I want to thank Assemblyman Dancer for proposing this legislation in New Jersey. It’s so important to reduce opportunities to possess substances like this, and this legislation will provide a strong deterrent.”

Substance abuse prevention groups are closely monitoring the drug’s popularity.

— Kelley Anne Essinger

This article was published in The SandPaper.