Scrutiny continues on the plant Kratom, as proposals in the House and Senate would categorize a derivative with the most dangerous drugs.
SB 432/HB 309, which are being carried by Republicans Clay Yarborough of Jacksonville and Doug Bankson of Apopka, would add to the list of Schedule I controlled substances 7-Hydroxymitragynine concentrated at above 400 parts per million on dry-weight basis.
If these bills becomes law, 7-Hydroxymitragynine would be treated as equivalent to heroin, LSD, MDMA, peyote, and cannabis, which are regarded as the most dangerous drugs by government, prone to abuse and with no proven medical efficacy.
It is said to be more potent than morphine, and commercially available in various forms at smoke shops and certain convenience stores.
The bill also proposes a similar crackdown on xylazine, a sedative used in veterinarians’ offices that is also misused by humans for recreational effects.
Buying, holding, making, or transporting more than 28 grams would lead to three years in prison. More than 100 grams but less than 200 would earn the guilty party a seven year stretch, while those with more than 200 grams could get 25 years in lockdown.
