Governor Laura Kelly on Friday announced she has signed House Bill 2365, which amends the Uniform Controlled Substances Act (CSA) to designate 7-OH kratom related substances to Schedule I designation. Schedule I designates a substance to have a high potential for abuse and without a currently accepted medical use.
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is in the process of determining whether kratom is a safe and effective means of treating certain medical conditions,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “Until such a time as quality scientific reviews determine positive impacts and minimal health risks, it is wise to safeguard the health of Kansans.”
Importantly, this legislation updates Schedule IV – substances that are defined as drugs with low potential for abuse and dependence – to include Zuranolone, a prescription medication approved to treat postpartum depression.
This bill also adds to Schedule I of the CSA: 11 opioids or synthetic opioids; fentanyl-related substances that are not specifically exempted or listed in Schedules II through V; ethylphenidate, a stimulant; hexahydrocannabinol, a derivative of Delta 9; tetrahydrocannabinol (THC); CUMYL-PEGACLONE, a synthetic cannabinoid.