Cam Cavitt

LANSING — State Rep. Cam Cavitt today celebrated the successful House vote to protect Michigan families by taking kratom products off the shelves.

House Bill 5537, introduced by Cavitt, prohibits the growing, synthesizing, selling, or sale of kratom in Michigan. Kratom products are currently accessible to young adults and children across the state, resulting in serious injuries and even death.

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, where its leaves have traditionally been used for their medicinal and stimulant properties. In the United States, it is marketed as a natural, over-the-counter herbal supplement for pain relief, energy, and anxiety management, often sold in smoke shops, gas stations, and online.

However, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom for any medical use, and health officials warn that it poses significant risks for addiction, abuse, and dependency

“What we are experiencing with kratom is a crisis,” said Cavitt (R-Cheboygan). “These products are being marketed towards our kids, and many parents aren’t even aware that it’s happening. Our children are being poisoned by products that they can easily purchase at gas stations.”

Cavitt continued by emphasizing the need to act on the issue.

“Protecting the lives of children should not be controversial,” Cavitt said. “We need to get kratom off our streets. People are losing their lives, and as lawmakers we have a very clear responsibility to act. We can’t afford to let this problem get any worse. I’m proud to lead the way in taking action.”

The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration.