7-OH products, a concentrated synthetic kratom derivative, are displayed at a retail store in Bismarck on Aug. 5, 2026, hours before a state ban took effect. (Photo by Michael Achterling/North Dakota Monitor)
NORTH DAKOTA – On “News and Views”, North Dakota Senate Majority Leader David Hogue said lawmakers have been hearing about the dangers of kratom and withdrawals from it from emergency room doctors.
“It’s like coming off some of the opiates. It’s pretty hard to do and there’s consequences from withdrawal as well,” Hogue said. “People always want to talk about the cost of the special session. It’s not a significant factor when you talk about the safety all the young people in particular who are using this substance.”
The Minot Republican said the special session could cost $150,000 to $170,000.
The legislature will consider bills on banning synthetic kratom and banning those younger than 21 from buying natural kratom during a special session.
Hogue believes all kratom should be banned.
Comments