Abbas renews fight against kratom overdoses

CONCORD — State Senator Daryl Abbas renewed his pledge to protect Granite Staters from the dangers of synthetic kratom. Earlier this year, the Senate twice passed legislation prohibiting the sale of synthetic kratom in New Hampshire, but could not reach agreement with the House. Abbas filed legislation to classify synthetic and semisynthetic kratom as a Schedule I controlled drug, which would prohibit its retail sale while allowing scientific research.

“Synthetic kratom is essentially over-the-counter heroin, and it’s completely unregulated in New Hampshire,” Abbas said. “We need to get these powerful drugs off of convenience stores shelves and out of the hands of children.”