Suffolk County lawmakers are moving closer to approving new restrictions on kratom products, but rather than imposing an outright ban, legislators say they are working to strike a balance between protecting public health and preserving legitimate small businesses.
Deputy Presiding Officer and Third District Legislator Jim Mazzarella, who is spearheading the legislation, said the county’s focus is on eliminating dangerous synthetic and chemically enhanced kratom products that have become increasingly common in smoke shops and gas stations while allowing access to the plant’s natural form for responsible adults. A final legislative vote is expected after the public hearing process concludes.
“I think what has been most disturbing is the proliferation of the adulterated versions of kratom,” Mazzarella said in an exclusive interview. “There are some decent properties in this botanical, which is a natural plant. But when the bad folks get a hold of this, they synthesize the alkaloids and jack up the strength.”
Mazzarella explained that kratom naturally contains two primary alkaloids — mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine — but said unscrupulous manufacturers have concentrated those compounds to dramatically increase their potency.
“The public is being misled,” he said. “They’re taking these pills, capsules and liquid vials without knowing what’s in them or how much of those elements they’re consuming.”
According to Mazzarella, the highly concentrated synthetic products have been linked to serious side effects ranging from nausea to addiction and even death. The legislation aims to keep those enhanced products off store shelves while preserving access to natural kratom products that some consumers say help with pain relief, anxiety and overall wellness.
“We’re trying to regulate instead of ban,” Mazzarella said. “There are people who testify that they benefit from the natural botanical for pain relief and anxiety, and we don’t want to hurt those small businesses.”
That balance, he said, has been the driving force behind months of negotiations.
“We’re trying to strike that balance,” Mazzarella said. “Other places have simply banned it or waited for the federal government or the state to act. We’ve taken the time to develop legislation that protects families while recognizing that responsible businesses shouldn’t be punished.”
Mazzarella noted that New York State has approved legislation targeting one of the synthetic compounds commonly found in enhanced kratom products, but the measure still awaits action by Gov. Kathy Hochul.
In the meantime, he said Suffolk County is prepared to move forward on its own.
“Our County Executive has already told us that when we strike that balance and find something that’s good for the people, he’ll sign our bill,” Mazzarella said of Ed Romaine.
If adopted, the measure would position Suffolk County among the first local governments in New York to regulate enhanced kratom products while preserving access to natural forms of the botanical, a move supporters believe will better protect families without unnecessarily harming local businesses.