Department of Consumer Protection Applauds Passage of Controlled Substance Drug Schedule Updates

HARTFORD - The Legislative Regulation Review Committee unanimously approved regulations Tuesday to update the controlled substance drug schedule for several substances, including Mitragyna Speciosa, also known as Kratom. Connecticut is the seventh state to designate Kratom and its derivatives, including 7-OH, as Schedule 1 controlled substances.

"We are grateful to the legislature for their work and thoughtful discussion on both the legislation and these regulations, as well as everyone who submitted public testimony and participated in this process," said DCP Commissioner Bryan T. Cafferelli. "These substances pose a significant public health risk, particularly to children, as they have been widely available for purchase by people of all ages, with no regulation, testing, or other public health protections. We look forward to working with our sister agencies to educate local law enforcement about removing these substances from our communities and support those who suffer from addiction to these products."

"Kratom is dangerous to our kids. It doesn't belong in places where they can easily access or obtain it. Today we took a bipartisan vote to keep it away from our kids and other individuals unaware of the harm it can cause," said Representative Christie Carpino, co-chair of the Legislative Regulation Review Committee.

"Today's vote in the Regulation Review Committee to classify kratom as a Schedule 1 controlled substance was a difficult, but necessary, step to protect public health, especially the safety of children and young people who should not have legal access to a highly potent and unregulated drug," said Representative Mary Welander, ranking member of the Legislative Regulation Review Committee. "I appreciate the close collaboration between the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection and the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services to anticipate and address the needs of residents who may require support as this change takes effect. Protecting the health and safety of Connecticut residents, particularly our children, remains our highest priority."

Kratom, which is sold in many different forms including pills, beverages, gummies and candy, powder and in its natural leaf form, currently has no approved medical use. It is not prescribed by physicians and is primarily available for purchase by people of all ages at gas stations and smoke shops, with no regulations, product testing, or other consumer protections. Kratom and its derivatives, including the synthetic 7-OH, are sold alongside other drugs included in the law that are known to be harmful and addictive, creating a public health concern.

In addition to mitragyna speciosa (kratom), including its leaves, stem and any extracts, the following substances have also been designated as schedule 1 controlled substances:

• 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH, a kratom derivative)
• Bromazolam
• Flubromazolam
• Nitazenes, including, but not limited to, isotonitazene
• Tianeptine
• Phenibut

The law authorizes DCP to reschedule these substances again in the future, if new research indicates kratom has a medical purpose that can be beneficial.