A bill in the Iowa Senate is looking to outright ban a substance that one lawmaker believes only makes sense.

District 24 Senator Jesse Green says the bill would effectively ban both the synthetic and natural versions of a substance called kratom. He tells Raccoon Valley Radio that some people believe it to be a healthy alternative to other caffeine products like tea, but he argues that there has been an uptick in overdoses when using the substance, especially when the synthetic version entered the market in the last few years. He shares his thoughts on the stimulant.

“Once I’ve done some research on it, I was surprised that this substance is derived from Asia. And in Asia, there’s quite a few countries there that completely ban it as well. So I think it’s strange that the region of the world where it’s derived from is banning it, but yet they’re shipping here to the United States and people are dying as a result of it. To me, if it’s a legitimate substance, then why is it only sold in gas stations and head shops and stuff like that.”   

Jefferson Police Chief Mark Clouse states that kratom can be purchased within the city that he says it is a synthetic marijuana that mimics or creates the high that marijuana does. He explains the situations that law enforcement faces with items like kratom and others that have been classified as illegal to possess and use previously.

“Sometimes the legislature does its best to keep up with these kinds of products, but a couple of chemical changes and it’s back under a different name or a different version of it. It’s a tough game to win. But, we do deal with it from time to time here in town. So, as far as it being a huge issue or problem, I don’t see that right now.”

Clouse adds that he is in favor of the Senate bill that would ban kratom entirely. A similar bill is also in the House, with both legislations eligible for full chamber votes as they respectfully already passed out of the committee level.