'It’s not regulated and you can die.' New York families push for kratom ban after loved ones’ deaths
Families from Orange and Schenectady counties say the product sold in convenience stores, gas stations and smoke shops had devastating consequences.
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Two New York families are pushing for stronger restrictions or an outright ban on kratom after the deaths of their loved ones.
Kratom is marketed as a natural product and sold openly in convenience stores, gas stations and smoke shops.
Sandra Wilson, whose family is from Huguenot in Orange County, says her 31-year-old son Randy Wilson died last July after years of using kratom.
“He was one of the most kind people. He loved animals. He was just always there for whoever needed him,” Wilson said.
Randy Wilson’s death certificate lists acute drug intoxication, including mitragynine, the main active compound found in kratom.
Wilson says her son believed kratom was a safer alternative to energy drinks while working physically demanding jobs.
“It was marketed as good for you. Energy,” she said.
Now, she says she wants others to be warned.
“People need to be aware, and we need to have it banned. We need a total ban statewide,” Wilson said.
Cassandra Coppola, of Schenectady County, says her brother Alex Coppola, a pharmacist and SUNY Purchase graduate, died in 2021 after using kratom.
“He was working doubles, triples. He wanted to stay awake. My brother was brilliant — if he can get tricked, anyone can get tricked,” she said.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration says kratom is not approved for any medical use and has warned of risks including addiction, seizures, liver injury and contamination. A Centers for Disease Control and Prevention review of deaths from July 2016 through December 2017 found kratom detected in 152 deaths nationwide.
Mary Alice Covatch, executive director of the Alcohol and Drug Awareness Council of Orange County, says the product has raised concerns locally for years.
“I’m really happy to see the focus on it as of late,” Covatch said. “I feel there should be a ban completely on kratom and its derivatives because the access and availability are so widespread and it’s getting into the hands of young people. We need to educate consumers and sellers because they may not know how harmful and addictive the product may be.”
Nassau County has approved a local ban on kratom sales. In New York, buyers must be at least 21 years old.
