A late-session amendment to Connecticut’s HB6855 — originally a hemp regulation bill — now threatens to classify kratom as a controlled substance, effectively banning access to the botanical across the state. The amended bill passed both chambers in just two days and now awaits Governor Ned Lamont’s signature.
The proposed language allows kratom to be scheduled “in the appropriate schedule,” a vague phrase that opens the door to extreme classification. Should kratom be added as a Schedule I substance, it would be treated the same as drugs like heroin or LSD, despite a lack of scientific evidence supporting such a designation. Even as a Schedule II or III drug, consumer access would be severely restricted.
Scientific Community and Advocates Push Back
Kratom is a natural plant with a centuries-long history of traditional use and growing support from researchers, healthcare practitioners, and millions of American consumers. Recent studies, including an FDA-led human tolerance study, demonstrate kratom’s relatively low risk profile. Neither the DEA nor the World Health Organization has recommended scheduling the plant, citing a lack of evidence of widespread harm.
Organizations like the Global Kratom Coalition and the American Kratom Association are urging the governor to veto the bill. In testimony, GKC’s Legislative Director, Walker Gallman, noted that kratom’s inclusion in HB6855 unjustly equates it with synthetic substances like tianeptine and phenibut, which carry significantly different risk profiles.
Our Role in Advocacy
At Phytoextractum, we’re deeply committed to the safe, responsible future of kratom. Through direct support of advocacy organizations, education campaigns, and legislative outreach, we are doing everything in our power to preserve consumer access and promote evidence-based regulation — not fear-driven prohibition. We stand in firm opposition to HB6855 and any legislation that ignores the science in favor of political expedience.
Take Action Now
If you live in Connecticut or care about kratom’s future, we encourage you to contact Governor Ned Lamont today and respectfully urge a veto of HB6855.
📞 Call: 860-566-4840 (Press 1)
📧 Email: Governor Lamont’s Contact Form
Let’s keep kratom accessible, safe, and grounded in science — not stigma.
