Greene County lawmakers back crackdown on kratom products

CATSKILL―The Greene County Legislature has adopted a resolution urging Gov. Kathy Hochul to sign legislation restricting the sale of highly concentrated kratom-derived products that have raised concerns over their powerful opioid-like effects and potential for addiction.

The resolution supports legislation already approved by both houses of the New York State Legislature that would prohibit businesses from selling certain products containing high concentrations of 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly known as 7-OH.

The substance is derived from kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia that is often marketed as a natural supplement. However, concentrated 7-OH products, frequently sold as tablets, gummies and liquid shots at smoke shops, convenience stores and gas stations, can produce significantly stronger effects than traditional kratom leaf.

In its resolution, the Greene County Legislature cites concerns about the substance's potency, noting reports that 7-OH can be 13 times more powerful than morphine.

Lawmakers also pointed to federal warnings issued in July concerning the sale and use of concentrated 7-OH products, which have drawn increasing scrutiny because of their potential for dependence, withdrawal and overdose.

The concerns come amid a sharp rise in kratom-related poison center reports nationwide. In 2025, poison centers received 3,434 reports of kratom exposure, representing a 1,200 percent increase compared to 2015.

Federal and state officials have also moved toward tighter restrictions. As of October 2026, 10 states have enacted outright bans on kratom-derived products, while the U.S. Department of Justice announced plans earlier this month to restrict concentrated 7-OH and related compounds.

Under the proposed New York legislation, businesses would be prohibited from knowingly selling, delivering or offering products containing 7-OH concentrations exceeding 2 percent of the product's total alkaloid content or one milligram per serving.

Businesses violating the restrictions could face civil penalties of up to $500 for a first offense and $1,000 for each subsequent violation. Money collected through those penalties would be deposited into the state's Drug Treatment and Public Education Fund.

The legislation targets high-potency 7-OH products rather than imposing a blanket ban on traditional kratom leaf. It also does not establish a criminal offense for consumers simply possessing the products.

Supporters of the restrictions have raised concerns that concentrated 7-OH products are readily available in retail establishments despite their opioid-like effects and associated health risks.

The Greene County resolution specifically references warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and concerns raised by the Drug Enforcement Administration about the potential dangers of these products.