ATLANTA – State Representative Rick Townsend (R-Brunswick), chairman of the House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Youth Exposure to Kratom and Retail-Available Substances, highlights a recent University of Florida (UF) College of Pharmacy study finding that many commercially available kratom-derived products are inaccurately labeled, raising concerns about consumer safety and the need for stronger regulation. Christopher McCurdy, Ph.D., associate dean for faculty development in the UF College of Pharmacy, who contributed to the UF study, recently testified in front of the House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee Youth Exposure to Kratom and Retail-Available Substances.
“During the most recent meeting of the House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Youth Exposure to Kratom and Retail-Available Substances, we heard testimony from several respected experts, including Dr. McCurdy, about kratom-derived products and the need for stronger consumer protections,” said Rep. Townsend. “This UF study reinforces many of the concerns raised before the committee. Researchers found that kratom-derived products are frequently mislabeled, making it difficult for Georgians to know exactly what they are purchasing at gas stations and other retail stores. When products are mislabeled or contain undisclosed ingredients, consumers—especially young Georgians—are placed at unnecessary risk. As our committee continues its work, we will carefully examine this new research and develop legislative recommendations that strengthen transparency, improve consumer confidence and help ensure Georgians can trust that these products contain what their labels claim.”
In the study, UF researchers analyzed 44 commercially available kratom and kratom-derived products purchased online and from retail stores across multiple states. The products included kratom-labeled tablets, oral films, liquid shots and edible products. The study found that 85 percent of the products analyzed contained ingredient concentrations that did not match their labels. In some cases, products labeled as containing a single alkaloid were found to contain multiple alkaloids. Other products contained compounds that were not disclosed on the label, which researchers note raise concerns about product transparency and consumers’ ability to know what they are purchasing.
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The House Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Youth Exposure to Kratom and Retail-Available Substances is charged with evaluating the impact of kratom products on minors, with the goal of strengthening protections, reducing access and creating healthier outcomes for Georgia’s youth.
The next study committee meeting will take place on Friday, August 21, 2026, at 9 a.m. at the College of Coastal Georgia in Brunswick, Ga. Future meetings will be posted on the House schedule here.
Representative Rick Townsend represents the citizens of District 179, which includes a portion of Glynn County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2022 and currently serves as Secretary of the Natural Resources & Environment Committee. He also serves on the Economic Development & Tourism, Education and Judiciary, Juvenile committees.
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