Georgia committee approves bill to ban synthetic kratom derivatives, put natural leaf behind pharmacy counter with labeling changes

A Georgia House committee on Monday approved House Bill 968, a substitute measure that bans synthetic kratom derivatives and places natural kratom leaf products behind pharmacy counters with added labeling and tracking requirements.

The bill’s sponsor, Representative Townsend, told the committee the measure is designed to "protect the natural leaf" while closing a market for high‑potency synthetic products, adding an electronic logging system and pharmacist access for purchasers.

The substitute prompted sharply divided testimony. Industry representatives said the harms are driven by illicit concentrates and synthetics, not by traditional kratom leaf. "The important takeaway today is kratom is not 7‑hydroxymitragynine," industry witness Matt Caddo told the committee, arguing that natural products are widely used and should remain accessible. By contrast, the Georgia Poison Center’s clinical toxicologist summarized state data showing increased exposures. "Since 2021, over 500 cases of kratom toxicity have been reported to us," the witness said, and pediatric exposures have risen sharply.

Family members who said they lost relatives to adulterated products urged a stricter approach. Peter Gofner, who said his husband died after unknowingly ingesting an adulterated product, said he supports a ban on synthetics and stronger labeling to protect children and consumers. Research and public‑health witnesses debated whether metabolites and high‑potency extracts are distinct from natural leaf, and several speakers urged improved testing and traceability.

While Representative Kendrick offered an amendment to exempt "pure leaf" from the pharmacy‑counter requirement — arguing it would preserve consumer access — the committee rejected that amendment on a voice vote after members and the bill author warned it would undercut tracking and safety goals.

The committee adopted a drafting amendment offered by Vice Chairman Hong to insert the missing word "concentrations" in several statutory definitions and to add the Georgia Poison Center telephone number to product labeling. The bill, as amended, passed by voice vote and was sent on to the rules committee.

The committee’s action leaves in place a prohibition on synthetics and imposes retail restrictions, labeling and a pharmacist‑overseen process for natural leaf sales; it directs tracking that supporters said will allow more precise exposure data to be gathered. Opponents said some provisions could restrict lawful consumer access and raise costs.

The measure now moves toward the next procedural stop in the House rules process.