Bill > H0416

This bill establishes the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which creates comprehensive regulations for kratom products in Vermont. The bill requires processors and distributors to annually register kratom products with the Department of Health, paying a fee to cover administrative costs. Registered products must meet strict safety standards, including prohibitions on products containing dangerous substances, synthesized materials, or compounds attractive to children. The legislation mandates detailed labeling requirements, such as age recommendations, warnings about potential habit-forming risks, and specific usage instructions. Enforcement provisions include significant financial penalties and potential sales prohibitions for violations, with fines ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the specific infraction. The bill also prohibits selling kratom to individuals under 21, selling products with controlled substances, and selling synthetically derived kratom compounds. Retailers who unknowingly sell non-compliant products will not be penalized if they relied in good faith on processor representations. The Department of Health will be responsible for maintaining a public registry of approved kratom products and developing administrative rules for implementation. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025, giving businesses and regulators time to prepare for the new requirements.

Health and Social Services

https://legislature.vermont.gov/bill/status/2026/H.416