St. Peter’s Health Partners Applauds Local Efforts to Ban Sale of Kratom Products; Urges New York State Governor to Sign Similar Legislation

In the midst of a growing addiction crisis, St. Peter’s Health Partners applauds recent efforts by leaders in Albany and Rensselaer counties to ban or restrict the sale of kratom products. Similar legislation, passed by the New York State Legislature in June, is currently awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature.

“We are grateful to our legislative leaders who are listening to our healthcare providers and community members and taking real action to stop this truly avoidable harm to human health, which should be banned totally and completely. Kratom is a powerful, destructive, and addictive substance. We are hopeful the Governor will sign the pending statewide legislation to accelerate the protection of life and health,” said Kristen Mucitelli-Heath, senior vice president, Population Health and Advocacy, St. Peter’s Health Partners and St. Joseph’s Health.

Kratom is an herbal extract that comes from the leaves of an evergreen tree found in Southeast Asia called Mitragyna speciosa. Traditionally used for its mild sedative effects, the drug is highly addictive, particularly in its synthetic form of 7-OH, and has prompted the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration to identify kratom as a drug of concern. 

“Kratom and its higher potency-version known as 7-OH or 7-hydroxymitragynine, are the number one new substance addictions that we have seen at St. Peter’s Addiction Recovery Center, at all levels of care,” said Angad Madan, DO, medical director of St. Peter’s Addiction Recovery Center (SPARC). “Many patients do not know that these are substances of addiction or misuse and instead think they are just an herbal supplement. That is false advertising and is resulting in another opioid epidemic that our communities do not need.”

In June, SPARC worked with WNYT-TV on an investigative series that examined kratom and its impact on local communities. As a result of those stories, Rensselaer County last week announced it is proposing a ban on the sale of all kratom and 7-OH products. Albany County is also taking action, announcing on August 24 a new public health order banning the sale and distribution of all kratom products in the county, deeming them a “danger to life and health.” 

Of significant concern is 7-OH, a highly concentrated, naturally occurring compound found in kratom that interacts with the body’s opioid receptors. Available over the counter at various convenience stores, it is often referred to as “gas station heroin.”

“7-OH can be up to 13 times more potent than morphine, so it produces dependency much quicker, can cause severe withdrawal symptoms, and has been contributing to increased opioid addiction in the Capital Region,” explained Dr. Madan. 

New York state last year passed legislation prohibiting the sale of all kratom products to individuals under the age of 21 and requiring products to come with a warning label. Building on that, the New York State Assembly and Senate in June passed legislation banning the sale of 7-OH. The bill is currently awaiting Governor Kathy Hochul’s signature.

“This legislation is too important to wait. Every day, more people are becoming addicted and seeking help. I sincerely hope Governor Hochul signs the bill so this drug can be removed from store shelves,” said Dr. Madan.

If signed, New York state will join Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Indiana, Mississippi, Vermont, and Wisconsin in prohibiting the sale of 7-OH.

Help is available for individuals struggling with substance use. SPARC offers inpatient detox at St. Peter’s Hospital and operates two outpatient treatment sites providing withdrawal and stabilization services. For information, call 833-688-3480.

St. Peter's Addiction Recovery Center (SPARC)

Established in 1972, SPARC is a national leader in addiction education and training. SPARC is licensed by the New York State Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) and is accredited by The Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations.

St. Peter's Addiction Recovery Center (SPARC) offers individuals and families a comprehensive range of care and services for people affected by drug or alcohol abuse. More than 5,000 people with drug and alcohol problems are treated each year at SPARC's eight Capital Region locations.

SPARC helps patients gain control of their lives and learn how to gain physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being without dependency on alcohol or other chemical substances. We are mindful of the sensitivity and attention all persons require and deserve when seeking personal help with addiction.

Anyone aged 18 years or older who is struggling with alcoholism or chemical dependency may receive help at SPARC’s detox, inpatient and outpatient locations. 

Treatment Options

SPARC operates an 18-bed adult acute care inpatient Withdrawal and Stabilization Unit at St. Peter's Hospital, Albany, NY, as well as an ambulatory Withdrawal and Stabilization program providing rapid access to medication assisted treatment. The program offers safe withdrawal from alcohol, all forms of opiates (including Kratom), sedatives and other substances.  

SPARC also has 2 Inpatient Rehab locations (40 beds in Guilderland, NY & 20 beds in Troy, NY), 5 Outpatient Programs (Albany, Cohoes, Latham, Rotterdam & Saratoga), and a Mental Illness Chemical Abuse (MICA) program in Troy, NY.  All treatment services are provided in a tobacco-free environment and confidential setting. These services include Detox, Group Therapy, Individual Counseling, Introduction to Recovery Programs, MICA, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Education, Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT) and special programs for professionals and youth.