March 9, 2015 - 7:00pm
Is the Southeast Asian herb kratom the answer to relieving the pain from life's many ailments?
If it is, it might not be legal for too much longer -- a proposal put forth by Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker, would try to put an end to the use of the substance by making it illegal in the Sunshine State.
Many say kratom is a dangerous substance, calling it as addictive as other opiates. The herb is popular in kava bars where patrons will drink the substance, often producing a relaxing effect.
SB 764, filed on the heels of Rep. Kristin Jacobs', D-Coconut Creek, original legislation, would have classified kratom as a Schedule I substance, making possession, selling or possessing with the intent to sell a third-degree felony offense in Florida.
An amendment proposed by Sen. Jeff Clemens, D-Lake Worth, however, would mitigate the crime from a felony to a misdemeanor.
Clemens' amendment passed.
Representatives from sheriffs' offices around the state spoke in favor of the bill, saying the herb produces opiate-like, addictive effects with little regulation from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Kratom isn't totally off the FDA's radar, however. In October, the administration ordered U.S. Marshals to seize 25,000 pounds of the substance in California.
"We have identified kratom as a botanical substance that poses a risk to public health and has the potential for abuse, said Melinda Plaisier, the FDAs associate commissioner for regulatory affairs. This action was taken to safeguard the public from this dangerous product, and FDA will continue to take aggressive enforcement actions against products that are promoted for uses that are unapproved.
The U.S. Drug Enforcement administration added kratom to its list of "drugs of concern," but the herb still remains legal in Florida except for Sarasota County.
Kava bar owners in South Florida showed up to testify against the legislation on Tuesday, saying the herb was similar to coffee and was no more dangerous or addictive than a cup of joe.
"If this bill becomes legislation, a lot of people are going to get in a lot of trouble," said Toby Harrison. "For what? Nothing."
Legislators, too, expressed concerns over putting too many people in prison as a result of the legislation.
"We should slow down a bit before we start putting people in prison," said Sen. Audrey Gibson, D-Jacksonville.
Sen. Jeff Brandes, R-St. Petersburg, said he didn't understand why kratom was being debated at all.
"We have not had compelling testimony as to why this should be an issue," he said.
Gibson and Brandes were the only committee members who voted against the legislation.
Reach Tampa-based reporter Allison Nielsen by email at allison@sunshinestatenews.com or follow her on Twitter: @AllisonNielsen
