Kratom Ban Montana State What To Know

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Kratom Ban Montana State Explored Where’s The Logic

Introduction: The Kratom News

Kratom is a herb that has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia for its medicinal properties. In recent years, it has gained popularity in the United States as an alternative to prescription drugs for pain relief and anxiety.

However, there are concerns about the safety of kratom, leading some states to ban its sale and possession. Montana is one such state that has implemented a ban on kratom. In this article, we will explore the kratom ban in Montana, its history, reasons, and implications.

What is Kratom?

Kratom, also known as Mitragyna Speciosa, is a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family. Its leaves contain active compounds that have psychotropic effects, such as mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. These compounds interact with the brain’s receptors to produce pain relief, relaxation, and stimulation.

Kratom in the United States

Kratom is legal at the federal level in the United States, but it is regulated by individual states. Some states have banned kratom, while others have enacted regulations on its sale and possession. The legality of kratom in Montana has been a topic of debate for several years.

The Ban In Question

In 2021, Montana implemented a ban on the sale, possession, and use of kratom. The state classified kratom as a Schedule I substance, which means it has no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Violation of the ban is a misdemeanor offense that carries a penalty of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $500.

History In Montana

Montana’s ban on kratom came after several failed attempts to regulate the herb. In 2019, a bill was introduced in the state legislature that would have regulated kratom as a dietary supplement.

The bill did not pass, and in 2021, a new bill was introduced that sought to ban kratom altogether. The bill passed both the House and the Senate and was signed into law by Governor Greg Gianforte in May 2021.

Reasons for the Proposed Ban

The main reason for the kratom ban Montana is concern over the safety of the herb. Kratom has been linked to several adverse effects, including seizures, liver damage, and addiction. The FDA has also issued warnings about kratom, stating that it has no approved medical use and can be dangerous.

Implications For The State

The kratom ban in Montana has several implications for users and businesses. It means that kratom cannot be sold or possessed in the state, and those who violate the ban can face criminal charges.

It also means that businesses that sell kratom products will no longer be able to operate in Montana, which can have an impact on the economy.

Kratom Legal Status Currently

Kratom is banned in several states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Some states, such as Florida and Georgia implemented the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.

The attempt to ban Kratom in Montana has been a contentious issue, marked by significant developments and legislative action. Here’s an up-to-date summary of the events:

1. Amendment to Schedule Kratom as a Schedule I Drug: In the Senate, the bill was amended to include language scheduling any substance derived from the Kratom plant as a Schedule I drug under “Hallucinogenic substances.” The bill was initially advanced out of the committee by a 10-0 vote and later passed in the Senate by a 44-6 vote. The fate of Kratom in Montana was then dependent on the House’s response to the amendment. Advocates for Kratom were urging members of the House to either drop the amendment or abandon the measure altogether. Mac Haddow, the senior policy fellow with the American Kratom Association, testified about the scientific evidence on Kratom, arguing against its classification as a Schedule I drug​​.
2. Unanimous Rejection of the Kratom Ban by the House: The proposed ban returned to the House and was unanimously rejected by a 100-0 vote, signifying a stark difference in perspective between the two legislative chambers. This unanimous decision effectively reverted the bill to its original form without the language that scheduled Kratom​​.
3. Conference Committee and Final Rejection of Kratom Ban: Both chambers needed to vote to approve the conference committee to formally reconcile the different versions of the bill. The House voted 96-0, and the Senate voted 46-3 to adopt the report from the conference committee. This action solidified the rejection of the attempt to schedule Kratom, maintaining the number of states that have banned Kratom at six​​.
4. Public Opposition to the Kratom Ban: The public comments attached to the proposed legislation reflected a preference for regulation over prohibition. Most comments opposed the idea of scheduling Kratom, emphasizing the importance of ensuring safe access to unadulterated Kratom and highlighting the potential benefits of the plant​​.
5. Legal Status of Kratom in Montana: As of the latest updates, Kratom remains legal and accessible in Montana for individuals over the age of 18. However, there have been rumblings about banning Kratom in the state legislature, but so far, none have passed. The legal status of Kratom in Montana is characterized by efforts to regulate the sale and possession of Kratom, with a focus on ensuring consumer safety and adherence to responsible business practices​​.

The attempted ban of Kratom in Montana is a reflection of the ongoing national debate over the legal status and regulation of Kratom. The developments in Montana highlight the complexities and divergent views surrounding this herbal supplement.

Update: September 2023

The House unanimously voted against the banning of kratom in the state of Montana, presently kratom is unclassified and remains legal.

FAQs

Sources:

• Legiscan: Montana Ban On Kratom
• Legiscan: Montana And Kratom
• Legiscan: Updates On The Kratom Bill In Montana

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Meet The Author

Mike Korlin

I have been studying and applying functional medicine in my personal life for nearly a decade. As a student, a retailer and a human being my knowledge is drawn from my own and thousands of other peoples experiences that I have spoken to or aided in discovering the wonderful world of plant medicines.