Dutchess County Executive Sue Serino is taking decisive action to protect residents from the dangers of kratom, proposing a countywide ban on its sale and distribution. Serino says the measure is aimed at safeguarding families and preventing young people from being exposed to a risky, unregulated substance that has been linked to a growing number of hospitalizations and deaths across the country.
County Executive Sue Serino said, “My top priority is keeping our community safe and healthy, especially our children. Many families aren’t aware of the dangers of kratom because it’s often marketed as a natural product and it is so easily accessible. But ‘natural’ doesn’t always mean safe and public health data shows kratom-related deaths are rising. We cannot wait until another life is lost. Protecting our community must always come first, and I am proud to take this important step to safeguard Dutchess County.”
Kratom is an unregulated substance derived from a Southeast Asian plant. Its active compounds act on the same brain receptors as opioids and have been linked to addiction, seizures, liver damage, respiratory depression, and, in some cases, death. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved kratom for any medical use and continues to warn consumers about its risks.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported dramatic increases in kratom related health emergencies. Hospitalizations for single substance kratom exposure rose 1,200 percent—from 43 in 2015 to 538 in 2025. Multiple substance exposures increased 1,300 percent, from 40 to 549. The CDC also reported 233 kratom associated deaths nationwide over the same period.
Kratom is increasingly easy to obtain, sold online and in convenience stores, smoke/vape shops, gas stations, and other retailers. Marketed as a ‘natural’ supplement, many consumers mistakenly assume it is safe. Products are often displayed alongside everyday goods and sold in capsules, powders, gummies, and beverages—frequently in bright, flashy packaging—making them easy to purchase and difficult for parents to recognize.
Under Serino’s proposed legislation, any person found to be selling or distributing Kratom or a Kratom derived product, with limited exceptions, will be subject to civil penalty up to $1,500. Additionally, her legislation puts heightened focus on preventing youth access to Kratom, with higher penalties for those found to be selling or distributing to a minor (under the age of 21) – going up to $2,000 for a violation. The law will be enforced by the Dutchess County Department of Health (DOH).
Dutchess County DOH Commissioner Dr. Livia Santiago-Rosado said, “Kratom products have not been tested for safety, consistency, or accurate labeling and are not approved by the FDA. The potential for harm is clear, with cases nationwide linking these products to addiction, serious health complications, overdose, and even death.”
County Executive Serino has submitted the proposed resolution for the local law to the County Legislature for consideration at their August 10 board meeting.
