Northern Michigan Republican Pushes Ban After House Vote
Rep. Cam Cavitt, R-Cheboygan County, sponsored House Bill 5537, which prohibits a person from growing, synthesizing, selling, offering for sale, giving, importing, or distributing kratom or a synthetic variant of kratom. The bill passed the Michigan House earlier this month, largely along party lines, with most Democrats opposing the legislation.
Kratom is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, which is indigenous to southeast Asia and has long been used for medicinal and recreational purposes there. While not technically an opioid, psychoactive elements present at varying levels in kratom extract do activate the brain's opioid receptors. Because it mimics the effect of opioids and is currently widely sold in gas stations and convenience stores, kratom is often called "gas station heroin" by its detractors.
Cavitt pointed out that several other Great Lakes states have already banned kratom, and said that Michigan should follow suit. His bill would make selling the substance a criminal misdemeanor, and Cavitt said local law enforcement would be responsible for making sure that it's not sold in gas stations or smoke shops anymore.
Proponents Argue Substance Needs Regulation
The lead sponsor, Rep. Cam Cavitt, told CBS Detroit, "What we are experiencing with kratom is a crisis." He added, "These products are being marketed towards our kids, and many parents aren't even aware that it's happening. Our children are being poisoned by products that they can easily purchase at gas stations."
According to the Department of Justice, kratom can cause "psychotic symptoms, and psychological and physiological dependence." The FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use, and it is listed as a "drug and chemical of concern."
Opposition Raises Concerns About Medical Research
Kratom proponents say it's an herbal supplement that's a relatively benign alternative to opioids. They suggest banning it could cause more harm to people who use it for pain relief, or to come off of stronger drugs. And while there are currently no federally-approved medical uses for kratom, it's the subject of ongoing scientific research in that regard.
Cavitt said his bill has an amendment that allows for that possibility. He stated, "If they do discover a medical usage, isolate a certain chemical or something in the kratom, then this would be null and void."
Bill Heads to Senate for Consideration
It's unclear whether Cavitt's bill has enough support to pass the Michigan Senate. Some Democrats say the state should focus on prohibiting sales to minors, and regulating more harmful synthetic forms of kratom.
The House bill passed by a 56-48 vote and now heads to the Senate for consideration. A violation of the bill would be a misdemeanor, with penalties varying depending on the activity and whether an individual aged 17 or younger was involved.
Personal Stories Highlight the Debate
Melanie Clark, a 35-year-old Upper Peninsula woman, shared her traumatic experience with kratom addiction. She initially tried Feel Free, a 2-ounce tonic that she saw advertised on gas station counters in Ypsilanti. The product promised to eliminate drinking from her life while still providing a buzz.
"It was just advertised as a healthy, natural botanical drink," Clark said of the advertisement, which featured a guy paddleboarding down a stream.
Within three weeks of first taking Feel Free in July 2022, Clark found the herbal supplement to be habit-forming, causing her to rely on the foul-tasting tiny bottles of liquid to get through the day while struggling with postpartum depression.
"She got dangerously sick when trying to rehab," Clark's mother Dottie Case said. "I'm not exaggerating when I say she almost died several times last year."
The story highlights the complex debate surrounding kratom, with advocates arguing it could be a safer alternative to opioids while opponents point to its potential for abuse and dependence.
Medical Community Weighs In
Dr. Eliza Hutchinson, a family physician based in Ann Arbor, told the Detroit News that kratom withdrawal is "profoundly intolerable." She said, "Most of my patients will say it's like having the worst influenza of your life — times 10."
The Mayo Clinic advisory stated that "Depending on the amount of active ingredient in the product and the health of the user, taking kratom can be harmful. There are too few studies to be able to rate the claims about the benefits of kratom."
The bill represents the latest effort by Michigan lawmakers to address substance abuse in the state, though its ultimate fate remains uncertain as it moves through the legislative process.