ND Ban: Raise Your Hand If You Had No Idea What Kratom Is?

North Dakota Bans Kratom

Governor Kelly Armstrong banned Kratom in North Dakota and declared it a public health emergency. This new law officially went into effect statewide on Wednesday, August 5th, statewide. This emergency ban on Kratom also includes all of its derivatives, including 7-OH and mitragynine. According to a press release from Governor Armstrong, this ban will make the sale, possession, and use of Kratom illegal statewide.

(SEE ALSO: The Most Dangerous Cities in North Dakota Based on New Data)

What Exactly is Kratom?

Raise your hand if you had never heard of Kratom before this week? My hand is up. What is everybody freaking about? First off, Kratom comes from the leaves of a tropical tree in Southeast Asia.  People have been using Kratom in capsule form as an energy booster for pain management and to cope with withdrawals from drugs such as fentanyl and heroin. Kratom can be both a stimulant and a depressant, depending on its levels and how it mixes with other drugs you might be on.

The Dangers of Kratom

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According to the press release from Governor Armstrong, unregulated products in gas stations and smoke shops are where you are most likely to find Kratom. These products often have colorful packaging and may even have a candy-like name. Since 2021, Kratom or related derivatives have been responsible for 23 deaths, according to the State Epidemiology Office. 10 other states have joined North Dakota in banning Kratom.

How to Safely Dispose of Kratom

If you currently have Kratom in possession, here's how to safely dispose of it. According to Attorney General Drew Rigley, you can return it to any of the following locations listed here. There are numerous locations in Bismarck-Mandan.

The Bottom Line

You don't want to get caught with Kratom. General possession is now punishable as an infraction with fines up to $1,000. It's now classified as a controlled substance with the likes of Heroin and LSD. Something else to be aware of in this scary world we are living in. Be sure to talk to your kids about Kratom. I know I will be.