New York State Legislature approves ban on synthetic kratom products, now heads to Gov. Hochul
As News 12 has reported, Nassau County passed its own bill banning the sale of kratom products in March. In Suffolk, a vote on a potential ban was delayed in April.
New York state lawmakers recently unanimously passed legislation that prohibits the sale of synthetic kratom. The legislation focuses on 7-hydroxymitragynine, also known as "7-OH" or "gas station heroin."
The bill now heads to Gov. Kathy Hochul's desk.
Camden Ackerman, of Wading River, shared his story with News 12 on addiction to kratom products.
"It's a spiral," says Ackerman. "One reality of the world of pain is, at certain points, you'll do anything to kind of get past it and get back to the normal life."
Ackerman went through treatment for alcohol and kratom addiction at Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research.
"I think the day that you wake up and don't do it and you were violently ill because of it, is a massive sign," says Ackerman.
"Kratom is a psychoactive substance that acts like opioids in our system," says Dr. Edmond Hakimi, medical director at Wellbridge Addiction Treatment and Research. "They're creating it at very high points and very high levels and then selling it very openly at gas stations, vape shops."
As News 12 has reported, Nassau County passed its own bill banning the sale of kratom products in March. In Suffolk, a vote on a potential ban was delayed in April.
Doctors say part of the issue stems from people not knowing what they're buying.
"We see at least one patient every day who is in our detox, who is here specifically for 7-OH withdrawal," says Hakimi.
At Legacy Smoke Shop in East Northport, the store manager tells News 12 that hundreds of people are coming in looking for 7-OH.
"Over 300 [people per week]," says store manager Charles Spinella. "Especially because Nassau has a big problem, so now you're getting a lot of new faces."
Spinella says 7-OH should be regulated, but says business could be affected.
"Hopefully, there's some alternative and these people would be able to use that. We would still legally be allowed to sell," says Spinella.
Hochul's office says the governor will review the legislation. If it's signed, New York will become the eighth state to ban the product.
