Georgia Introduces 3 Resolutions on Risks Associated with Kratom

These committees will be undertaking a study the use and risks of kratom to determine if action by the state is necessary regarding it’s legal status. This follows the recent FDA announcement demonizing kratom, and the media frenzy that has ensued. Even though there is content in these resolutions that will allow the committees to consider the benefits of kratom, it seems to be mostly based on Scott Gottlieb’s February statement declaring kratom a dangerous opioid. 

Your representatives need to hear from you. Your positive stories will add to the information these committees need to consider. 

Georgia House Resolution 1159 (HR 1159): A RESOLUTION creating the Joint
Study Committee on Risks Associated with Kratom; and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Rep. Dewayne Hill (R)
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: Introduced on February 13 2018 – 25% progression
Action: 2018-02-15 – House Second Readers
Pending: House Special Rules Committee
Text: Latest bill text (Introduced) [PDF]

• (1) Creation of joint study committee. There is created the Joint Study Committee on Risks Associated with Kratom.
• (2) Members and officers. The committee shall be composed of six members, as follows:
  • (A) Three members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall designate one of such members as cochairperson; and
  • (B) Three members of the Senate to be appointed by the President of the Senate, who shall designate one of such members as cochairperson.
• (3) Powers and duties. The committee shall undertake a study of the conditions, needs, issues, and problems mentioned above or related thereto and recommend any action or legislation which the committee deems necessary or appropriate.

Georgia House Resolution 1160 (HR 1160): A RESOLUTION creating the House
Study Committee on Risks Associated with Kratom; and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Rep. Dewayne Hill (R)
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0)
Status: Introduced on February 13 2018 – 25% progression
Action: 2018-02-15 – House Second Readers
Pending: House Special Rules Committee
Text: Latest bill text (Introduced) [PDF]

• (1) Creation of House study committee. There is created the House Study Committee on Risks Associated with Kratom.
• (2) Members and officers. The committee shall be composed of three members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Speaker shall designate a member of the committee as chairperson of the committee.
• (3) Powers and duties. The committee shall undertake a study of the conditions, needs, issues, and problems mentioned above or related thereto and recommend any action or legislation which the committee deems necessary or appropriate.

Georgia Senate Resolution 783 (SR 783): A RESOLUTION creating the Joint
Study Committee on Risks Associated with Kratom; and for other purposes.

Sponsor: Jeff Mullis (R)
Spectrum: Partisan Bill (Republican 1-0) Status: Introduced on February 14 2018 – 25% progression Action: 2018-02-15 – Senate Read and Referred Pending: Senate Rules Committee Text: Latest bill text (Introduced) [PDF]

• (1) Creation of joint study committee. There is created the Joint Study Committee on Risks Associated with Kratom.
• (2) Members and officers. The committee shall be composed of six members, as follows:
  • (A) Three members of the Senate to be appointed by the President of the Senate, who shall designate one of such members as cochairperson; and
  • (B) Three members of the House of Representatives to be appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives, who shall designate one of such members as cochairperson.
• (3) Powers and duties. The committee shall undertake a study of the conditions, needs, issues, and problems mentioned above or related thereto and recommend any action or legislation which the committee deems necessary or appropriate.

What can you do? If you’re a Georgia resident, Contact your representatives!

A quick phone call, letter, or email can make a difference. Don’t be afraid to speak to your representatives, they work for YOU, and will be respectful and will listen without judgment. Please be respectful to the staffer, as these are the people that will get your voice in the right hands.

It’s important that you do not claim that you are using kratom to treat or cure serious symptoms or diseases. Kratom should be positioned as an Herbal substance. Herbal substances cannot treat or cure, only drugs can do so.

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