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<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\nThe legislation (HB 179<\/a>), dubbed the \u201cFlorida Kratom Consumer Protection Act,\u201d bans the sale of the substance to people younger than 21. It also defines \u201ckratom products\u201d in state statues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beginning July 1, anyone who sells kratom products to customers under 21 will face a second-degree misdemeanor charge, punishable by a fine of up to $500 and up to 60 days in jail.<\/p>\n\n\n\n DeSantis signed the measure Friday, roughly a month after both<\/a> chambers<\/a> of the Legislature approved the measure from Pensacola Republican Rep. Alex Andrade.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kratom, which contains the principal compound mitragynine<\/a>, is praised by proponents as a versatile alternative to more harmful, addictive substances like alcohol \u2014 a claim backed up, to some extent, by science. In a 2019 Purdue University study published in the British Journal of Pharmacology<\/a>, researchers found kratom \u201ccan decrease alcohol intake but still (has) significant risk upon prolonged use.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Some people report using it to manage drug withdrawal symptoms<\/a> and cravings. It\u2019s primarily consumed orally in powder, tablet, capsule, raw leaf and concentrated extract form.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The University of Florida, which has been studying kratom for years<\/a> and has ample information online<\/a>, says the most common negative effects associated with kratom use are nausea, vomiting, constipation, upset stomach, drowsiness, dizziness and agitation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n High doses and frequent use of kratom have been reported to cause liver enzyme elevation. Liver function has been found to return to normal after disuse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Most states<\/a> regulate kratom. Six \u2014 Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont and Wisconsin \u2014 ban it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Attempts to restrict the substance in Florida date back years, including a 2015 effort by the late Sen. Greg Evers and late Rep. Kristen Jacobs to ban kratom statewide. Sarasota is the only local government<\/a> in Florida to fully ban it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n