West Virginia bill regulating kratom moves to Senate

Regulation is widely viewed as a step toward standardizing dosage information and directions for use. 

In a voice vote without discussion, West Virginia’s Senate Judiciary Committee on Feb. 23 approved a bill regulating the marketing of kratom and delta-8 THC.

• The bill, SB 220, addresses the processing, distribution and sale of kratom and hemp-derived cannabinoids, as reported by David Beard of the Dominion Post.

• Under the bill, the sale of kratom is prohibited to those under age 21.

• Delta-8 and the related compound delta-9 THC are both hemp derivatives.

• Use of kratom at low doses is reported to increase alertness, physical energy and talkativeness.

• It is often used as a treatment for muscle pain, appetite suppression, to ease abdominal cramps and diarrhea, and to treat panic attacks, according to the Mayo Clinic.

• Regulating the processing of kratom could standardize the amount of kratom’s active ingredient per dose, making it easier for users to gauge its effect. 

• The bill now heads to the full state Senate.