PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A Pennsylvania Representative is looking to regulate the sale of kratom, a Southeast Asian plant used for psychoactive properties.

While in 2015, most had never heard of kratom, nearly a decade later, it has become widely available in the United States. Consumption of kratom leaves produces both stimulant effects, in low doses, and sedative effects, in high doses, and can lead to psychotic symptoms, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).

Kratom is usually found in the form of a tablet, capsule or extract, but can also be found in powder form. Those addicted to kratom exhibited psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions and confusion.

There are no prescription or over-the-counter drug products containing kratom or its known alkaloids, such as 7-OH, that are legally on the market in the U.S., according to the FDA. When used in combination with other drugs, kratom can be fatal.

Use of the drug can cause nausea, itching, sweating, dry mouth, vomiting, insomnia, seizures and hallucinations.

“We cannot wait for the federal government to take action,” Rep. Bridget Kosierowski wrote in her newest memo. “Like so many public health crises, the absence of regulation has already pushed consequences onto our communities.”

Kosierowski’s newest legislation would ensure that:

Only natural kratom products would be legal for sale

Sales would only occur at registered retailers

There would be no sales to individuals under 21

All products would be labeled to verify natural origin and disclose that the FDA has not evaluated kratom

Advertising directed at children would be prohibited

Synthetic or otherwise adulterated kratom products would be subject to criminal and civil penalties

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The Representative furthermore argued that her bill offers a “responsible path” between criminalizing use and leaving the market entirely unregulated.

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