Judiciary Leverett Subcommittee Hearing on Kratom Regulation
Judiciary Leverett Subcommittee
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Jan 28, 2026
Meeting Information
This meeting of the Judiciary Leverett Subcommittee involved extensive testimony and discussion regarding the regulation and potential ban of Kratom in Georgia. Witnesses presented personal accounts of addiction and recovery, alongside legal and scientific perspectives on the substance, its derivatives, and the challenges of state-level scheduling and enforcement.
Meeting Summary
Personal Impact and Calls for a Ban
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Multiple individuals shared emotional testimonies detailing severe health issues, addiction, and deaths attributed to Kratom use, emphasizing its widespread availability in places like gas stations. [Video 00:29] [Video 05:09] [Video 09:36] [Video 13:25]
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Legal experts and law enforcement officials argued for a ban, citing the substance's role in hindering recovery from opioid addiction and the state's ability to schedule substances independently of federal action. [Video 16:29] [Video 24:30]
Differentiating Natural Kratom from Synthetics and Regulatory Approaches
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Industry representatives and former FDA officials distinguished between the natural Kratom leaf, which some claim has therapeutic benefits and is not highly addictive, and highly potent, synthesized derivatives like 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), which are considered the primary cause of severe adverse effects. [Video 30:35] [Video 49:35]
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A person in long-term recovery from opioid addiction testified that natural Kratom leaf was instrumental in their recovery, advocating for its continued availability while supporting bans on synthetic, high-potency products. [Video 01:02:55]
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Advocates proposed strengthening enforcement of existing laws against synthetic Kratom products and implementing robust regulatory measures, such as product registration, lab testing, and QR codes, rather than a full ban on the natural leaf. [Video 47:43] [Video 55:39]
Legal and Enforcement Challenges
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Legal counsel for prosecuting attorneys raised concerns that a state-only ban on Kratom would be unenforceable due to Georgia's legal definition of a controlled substance requiring it to be scheduled at both the state and federal levels. [Video 01:06:04] [Video 01:13:53]
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It was argued that a full ban could inadvertently criminalize individuals seeking help for addiction and would likely lead to a dangerous black market, similar to issues observed with other substances. [Video 54:59] [Video 01:08:22]
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The subcommittee concluded the hearing without a vote, indicating a need for further discussion and legal clarification on the bill's implications and the most effective approach to address the concerns raised. [Video 01:20:01]
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on Jan 29, 2026
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