*Editor’s note: This press release has been updated to include two photos taken in the governor’s ceremonial office during the bill signing.
ATLANTA – Today, State Representative Rick Townsend(R-St. Simons) joined Governor Brian Kemp at the State Capitol in Atlanta, Ga. as he signed House Bill 181 into law. Sponsored by Rep. Townsend, this legislation creates new regulations related to the composition and sale of kratom products in Georgia.
“Georgia citizens deserve the utmost safety and transparency regarding the products they purchase in our state,” said House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington). “I’m proud of the work Representative Rick Townsend did to protect consumers in Georgia by restricting the sale of unsourced kratom and bringing much-needed regulation and accountability to this product across Georgia.”
“House Bill 181 originated from the concerns voiced by constituents in House District 179 regarding the urgent need for stricter regulations of the sale and composition of kratom in Georgia,” said Rep. Townsend. “Originally introduced during my first term in 2023, my colleagues and I collaborated with the American Kratom Association to proactively address responsible consumption and mitigate potential risks associated with this substance, making this legislation my priority as my inaugural bill. I want to thank Governor Kemp for enacting this bill into law and extend my gratitude to my legislative peers for their diligent efforts and exhaustive review of this legislation during the 2023 legislative session, reinforcing our commitment to ensuring the safety of our fellow Georgians.”
House Bill 181 broadens the definition of “kratom” to include metabolite 7-hydroxymitragynine and defines a “kratom product” as any item with part of the mitragyna plant’s leaf and makes it a crime for individuals under the age of 21 to sell or transfer kratom products. Additionally, HB 181 requires all kratom products to come from the natural plant with strict compound limits. Any plants manufactured or processed cannot be modified to increase the levels of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine beyond the following limits: 150 mg of mitragynine per serving; 0.5 7-hydroxymitragynine per gram; or 1 mg 7-hydroxymitragynine per serving. Kratom processors or retailers in Georgia are prohibited from selling or distributing adulterated or unsafe kratom products, including those with synthetic substances or unlawful heating elements. They must also maintain a registered agent in the state and provide warning statements, recommended serving sizes and safe consumption time frames on product labels. Violations will result in penalties: processors face high misdemeanors or felonies with imprisonment and fines up to $100,000, while retailers face high misdemeanors or felonies with imprisonment, fines up to $100,000, and subsequent offenses with escalating fines and imprisonment durations. These regulations will go into effect starting January 1, 2025, and apply to all offenses thereafter.
After the bill signing, Rep. Townsend hosted a press conference at the State Capitol to talk about the purpose and efforts behind his legislation. Families affected by kratom also joined him, sharing their experiences and showing gratitude for the newly passed law.
*Editor’s note: Photos from today’s press conference are attached.
Representative Rick Townsend represents the citizens of District 179, which includes portions of Glynn County. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves as the Secretary of the Natural Resources & Environment Committee and a member of the Education and Special Rules committees.
###