Kinkead, Prokopiak announce bill to regulate opioid-mimicking plant
Southeast Delegation December 5, 2025 | 11:39 AM
HARRISBURG, Dec. 5 – State Reps. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, and Jim Prokopiak, D-Bucks, have introduced legislation to regulate kratom — a substance with psychoactive effects that mimic those of opioids — which is currently unregulated in Pennsylvania.
Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, is often consumed to reduce fatigue, manage pain or withdrawal symptoms, and to alleviate anxiety or depression. It can be ingested as teas, powders, capsules, liquids, or by chewing or smoking the leaves. However, because kratom can activate the same neurotransmitter receptors as opioids, prolonged or heavy use may lead to addiction, and independent tests have repeatedly shown that kratom products sometimes contain undisclosed or harmful additives. New synthetic kratom products, known as 7-OH, are particularly harmful and addictive.
While the federal government has not formally regulated kratom, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration designates it as a “drug and chemical of concern.” In response to growing health and safety concerns, several states have enacted regulatory schemes or bans. Currently, Pennsylvania does not have a comprehensive regulatory framework and kratom is currently readily available – and often marketed – to children and young adults.
House Bill 2058, which is similar to the successful kratom regulation law in Utah, would:
- Prohibit the sale or distribution of kratom products to individuals under the age of 21.
- Prohibit the sale or distribution of synthetic kratom products.
- Require testing and clear labeling on all kratom products, including ingredients, directions for use and safety information.
- Ban marketing or packaging that targets or appeals to children.
“This is about consumer safety and responsible regulation,” Prokopiak said. “Right now, Pennsylvanians can walk into a gas station or smoke shop and buy a product that mimics opioids — with no age limit, no labeling and no oversight. That’s unacceptable. This bill is a commonsense step to make sure these products are safely packaged and kept out of the hands of children.”
“Pennsylvania’s failure to act to regulate kratom when it first showed up in convenience stores and other shops easily accessible to children is a dereliction of duty,” Kinkead said. “Without regulation, consumers don’t know exactly what they’re putting in their body, unknowingly ingesting toxic additives or synthetic compounds that pose serious health risks. This legislation is about protecting public safety, creating basic safeguards for our children, and ensuring transparency for Pennsylvanians who purchase kratom.”
House Bill 2058, which has 20 bipartisan co-sponsors, has been assigned to the House Health Committee.
Kinkead represents the 20th Legislative District, which comprises part of Pittsburgh plus Ross Township, and the boroughs of Avalon, Bellevue and West View in Allegheny County.
Prokopiak represents the 140th Legislative District, which comprises Morrisville, Tullytown, Falls Township and part of Middletown Township in Bucks County.
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CONTACT: Ryan Bevitz
House Democratic Communications Office
Phone: 717-787-7895
Email: rbevitz@pahouse.net