The Michigan House of Representatives voted Wednesday to ban the sale and production of kratom, a herbal supplement sold in some local convenience stores and smoke shops. The bill now goes to the state Senate. If approved and signed into law, Michigan will join a few other states that have outlawed kratom.
Kratom comes from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Some people use it to help with pain or anxiety. However, health officials warn about its safety. Since kratom is unregulated, users don’t always know what’s in the products they buy.
Supporters of the ban call kratom “gas station heroin.” They say it is highly addictive and can cause serious health problems,
Opponents say kratom helps some people recover from opioid addiction. However, it carries addiction and withdrawal risks of its own
Lawmakers supporting the bill say the risks are too high for the general public without proper oversight.