The Stop Gas Station Heroin coalition today praised Gov. Kathy Hochul and New York State leaders and for advancing responsible kratom legislation that strengthens consumer protections, restricts youth access, and preserves adult access to natural kratom leaf.
The new age-gate measure sponsored by state Sen. Patricia Fahy and Assemblymember John McDonald (Senate Bill S4552-A/Assembly Bill A2340-A), along with new labeling requirements sponsored by Sen. James Skoufis and Assemblymember Phil Steck (Senate Bill S8285/Assembly Bill A5852-A), establish important guardrails to ensure kratom products are sold responsibly and transparently. Both measures were further strengthened through chapter amendments advanced by Gov. Hochul.
“These commonsense safeguards will go a long way toward protecting families and communities,” said David Bregger, executive director of Stop Gas Station Heroin and a father who lost his son to an unregulated, highly concentrated product. “Age restrictions and clear labeling give consumers the information they need and help prevent children from being exposed to products they should never have access to. That kind of transparency saves lives.”
By prioritizing consumer education and youth protections, New York lawmakers have demonstrated that thoughtful, science-based regulation can improve public safety without eliminating lawful access for adults. Clear labeling requirements reduce confusion in the marketplace, while age limits help ensure kratom products are kept out of the hands of minors.
Stop Gas Station Heroin supports policies that emphasize transparency, informed decision-making, and responsible retail practices — particularly in convenience stores and gas stations, where misleading marketing has created risks for consumers and families.
Federal health agencies have similarly emphasized the importance of distinguishing between traditional botanical products and unapproved synthetic substances sold with drug-like claims. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated its focus is on dangerous, unregulated, and misleading products by recommending that concentrated synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) be scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is reviewing that recommendation.
To learn more about Stop Gas Station Heroin and its mission, visit stopgasstationheroin.com.
About Stop Gas Station Heroin
Stop Gas Station Heroin is a national coalition that aims to educate consumers about harmful synthetic drugs and advocate for smart regulation that distinguishes between legitimate, natural botanicals and dangerous, synthetic drugs, combined with enforcement of current federal laws around unapproved drugs. To learn more, navigate to stopgasstationheroin.com.
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