Assemblyman Matt Simpson (R,C-Adirondack), a co-sponsor of the Synthetic Kratom Kills Act, joined a bipartisan group of colleagues today at the state Capitol to urge support for legislation that cracks down on highly potent and synthetic kratom-derived products.

“Synthetic kratom products have become widely available at gas stations, smoke shops and convenience stores across the state and pose a very real threat to public health,” said Simpson. “These products can be many times more potent than morphine, and peer-reviewed research supports classifying them as Schedule I substances due to their high abuse potential. It is so important to stop addiction before it starts so we can prevent overdose deaths and protect our young people from being targeted by these dangerous ‘gas station drugs.’”

Synthetic and concentrated kratom products, particularly those high in 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), have raised alarms among medical professionals. Dr. C. Michael White from the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy warned that these products could contribute to a “4th wave of the opioid epidemic.” Many users develop rapid tolerance, leading some to seek stronger alternatives such as fentanyl and its derivatives.

The legislation also addresses aggressive marketing tactics that appeal to children and teens. The Synthetic Kratom Kills Act is modeled after successful Kratom Consumer Protection legislation passed in other states. Those laws have helped regulate the industry by distinguishing between traditional leaf kratom and dangerous synthetic or adulterated concentrates.