Kratom regulatory framework established

A bill to regulate the sale of kratom products in Nebraska received final approval from lawmakers May 14.

LB230, introduced by Syracuse Sen. Bob Hallstrom, adopts the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. The bill requires kratom products sold in Nebraska to comply with federal and state manufacturing, packaging and labeling requirements.

Sale of kratom to individuals under 21 years old is prohibited under the bill, and e-commerce platforms must implement online age-verification systems.

Additionally, LB230 prevents the manufacture or sale of kratom products targeted at children and requires specific labeling for all kratom products. This labeling must include warnings about using the products during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and a disclaimer stating that the product is not intended to diagnose or treat any disease.

The state Department of Revenue must establish and oversee a registry of kratom products approved for sale in Nebraska and make it available on the department’s website.

The measure also includes provisions of Niobrara Sen. Barry DeKay’s LB184, which bar the sale of flavored and certain other nitrous oxide products. Nitrous oxide products used for industrial, dental, medical, automotive or food preparation purposes are excluded under the measure.

Provisions of Ralston Sen. Merv Riepe’s LB475 also are included, which add tianeptine, its salts and isomers to the list of Schedule II drugs in the state’s Controlled Substances Act.

LB230 passed on a vote of 48-0 and takes effect immediately.