Protect Our Communities: Regulate Kratom Sales in Palm Beach & Martin Counties

My son became severely addicted to kratom—a substance marketed as a natural, mood-enhancing tea. What he didn’t know was that it acts much like heroin. Every time he tried to quit, he experienced extreme withdrawal symptoms. He sought support through Alcoholics Anonymous and online communities like r/quitkratom, but when it came time for professional treatment, most rehab centers turned him away because kratom isn't officially recognized as addictive.

We had to share that he was addicted to alcohol just to get him into treatment. Tragically, it was too late. He died of a kratom overdose the day after Easter April 21, 2025.

Kratom is sold widely in Palm Beach County—at gas stations, smoke shops, and kava bars—often without any warning of its dangers. Florida leads the nation in the number of kava bars, many of which now add kratom extracts to drinks, increasing the risk of addiction. The public, especially our youth, are largely unaware that this “herbal tea” can destroy lives and is an opiod-like substance that is more than habit forming, it is addictive.

Sarasota County has already banned kratom—proving that local governments in Florida have the power and responsibility to act. Palm Beach and Martin Counties must follow suit.

We are calling on county officials to implement the following life-saving measures:

• Ban Kratom and Kava Extracts: Extracts are up to 10 to 50 times more potent and are easily found in gas stations, smoke shops, and even kava bars. These highly concentrated versions increase the risk of dependency and overdose. They should be outright BANNED. Let’s keep kava bars safe—say yes to tradition, no to extracts. My son passed out and broke his teeth and nose after taking just two concentrated kratom extract shots. People should not be driving after taking this substance. It is unsafe and a public health concern.
• Tracking & Reporting System: Establish a county health reporting system for kratom-related incidents (ER visits, poison control calls, overdoses). 
• Schedule Kratom Powder as a Controlled Substance: While many kratom advocates use it as a tool for harm reduction (often to taper off more dangerous opioids) kratom powder itself is highly addictive. My son began with the powder, believing it was a natural alternative to adderall, but over time, he developed a tolerance and turned to potent extracts to feel the same effects. We fully support access to kratom for those using it under medical guidance for harm reduction or chronic pain. But recreational, unregulated use, especially without proper education or oversight, poses serious risks and should not be permitted. There is a reason that we do not sell morphine at a gas station. 
• For Online Vendors that are not physically located within the County.
  • Enforce Age Restrictions: Uphold the FKCPA’s age minimum of 21 for kratom purchases.
    Require Clear Labels: All kratom products must include addiction warnings, usage risks, and dosage guidance.
    Restrict Sales: Limit kratom to licensed vendors and prohibit high-dose purchases. My son was buying up to 6 extract shots a day from local Kava Bars. Kava Bars should only be allowed to sell the recommended dose. 
  • Restrict Misleading Advertising of Kratom: Ban deceptive marketing that labels kratom as “safe,” “non-addictive,” or a “natural supplement.” Prohibit wellness-focused language like “plant-based relaxation,” “clean energy,” or “natural mood boost” that misrepresents the risks. Kratom should not be promoted as a health product or energy aid—especially in ways that appeal to youth or downplay its addictive potential.
  • Mandatory Consumer Warnings Require online signage at point of sale, including: “Warning: Kratom is a psychoactive substance. It can be addictive and may cause severe withdrawal symptoms and overdose.”

These steps are not just about policy—they are about saving lives.

Please sign this petition to help us push for stricter kratom and kava extract regulation in Palm Beach County and Martin County to protect others from the pain our family has endured.