The North Dakota Senate has amended a bill initially designed to regulate Kratom, opting instead to direct Legislative Management to conduct a study on the plant and its products. House Bill 1566, which had originally proposed regulatory authority for the Department of Agriculture, was modified Tuesday with a 31-15 vote in favor of a study approach.

Kratom, a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia and related to the coffee family, is used by some individuals for its stimulant and pain-relief properties. Others have turned to it as a tool for managing opioid withdrawal, though reports of adverse effects and unregulated products have prompted legislative scrutiny.

During the legislative session, Kratom was the subject of various proposals - including complete bans, regulatory frameworks and study initiatives. Senator Jeff Magrum, who introduced the amendment, argued that the complexity and unfamiliarity of Kratom among lawmakers warranted further research before implementing policy.

“Given the range of opinions and the lack of consensus, a measured, informed approach is necessary,” Magrum stated.

The amendment shifts the bill’s focus from immediate regulation to a broader examination of Kratom’s potential benefits, risks, and the implications of product oversight.

Not all lawmakers supported the move. Senator Todd Beard, criticized the amendment, highlighting concerns over adulterated Kratom products. He noted that some in the kratom industry have requested regulation to improve consumer safety.

The North Dakota Board of Pharmacy has also expressed concern, recommending that mitragynine, an active and dominant alkaloid compound in Kratom, be added to the state’s list of controlled substances.

With the Senate’s changes, the bill will return to the House for further consideration. The proposed study will assess both potential applications of Kratom and appropriate regulatory responses for its production and sale in North Dakota.