LANSING, Mich. (Michigan News Source) – On Tuesday, the House Regulatory Reform Committee met and heard testimony from several community members regarding alterations to the age of those serving cannabis in the state as well as regulating Kratom.  

Representative Kevin Coleman (D-Westland) gave an overview of HB 4322 alongside Robin Schneider of the Michigan Cannabis Industry Association which would amend legislation regarding marijuana practices. 

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“The purpose of the bill is simple,” Representative Coleman said, “Currently, the minimum age for a person to work with cannabis is 21 years old in the state of Michigan, the bill would lower that age threshold from 21 to 19 years old.” 

Regardless of the committee members personal thoughts about cannabis, Rep. Coleman asked them to keep in mind the 32,000 people in our state are employed in the cannabis industry. 

“This bill isn’t about young folks consuming cannabis or changing their behavior about cannabis,” he said, “But what it is about is the cannabis industry and allowing these people to have an opportunity to work in this industry that’s very lucrative and Michigan universities are offering cannabis programs.”

Northern Michigan University was the first in the country to offer a degree in cannabis studies.  Other universities including University of Michigan, Lake Superior State, and Grand Valley have also begun offering cannabis related programs according to Representative Coleman.  He also referenced House Bill 4232 from the previous legislative session which allowed people as young as 17 to serve alcohol. 

“I know there is a little bit of a stigma around cannabis, but again this is a growing industry that would give these young people a chance to maybe make it on their own and learn the industry first hand.” 

And not to consume cannabis at a younger age but just to work in the industry he clarified. 

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“We also are struggling like every other industry is with the worker shortage,” Schneider said, voicing her support for the bill. 

Several representatives asked why the age was changed from 18 to 19 as it had been younger in an earlier version of the bill. 

“We believe that there are folks in high school, young people, who might still be 18, and for them to be leaving school and going to a cannabis establishment just didn’t want to have any issue with that,” Representative Coleman said.

Representative Lori Stone (D-Warren) spoke in support of her bill, 4061, called the Kratom Consumer Protection Act for the regulation and sales of Kratom products; the substance is an herbal leaf indigenous to Southeast Asia that has opioid properties and some stimulant-like effects. 

“I was acutely aware of the impact substance use disorder has had in my community, just like many of you,” Representative Stone said. 

Despite being “plugged in” on many issues in her previous two terms, she was completely unaware of the role Kratom was playing at the “intersection of substance use disorder and recovery.” 

Kratom, or Mitragynine, was brought to her attention as a substance of concern by a constituent that was a “natural supplement” that had no dosage or list of side effects or potential drug interactions. 

“In small doses Kratom can create a stimulant effect not unlike caffeine,” Representative Stone said, “in larger doses it can have a depressant effect that relaxes people.  But Kratom use can lead to dependence for some.” 

That could lead to withdrawal symptoms such as muscle angst, dizziness, nausea, and irritability, she said.  The issue at hand lies in the fact that in the recovery community, Kratom is touted as a natural approach to opioid recovery; however, those with addictive personalities are often becoming addicted to this new substance, simply switching out substances.  

Numerous states have banned the substance outright including: Alabama, Arizona, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin; though Minnesota, Illinois, and Tennessee instituted age restrictions.  While referencing these states, Representative Stone recommended regulating the substance rather than banning it and possibly driving it “underground into black markets.” 

Some of Michigan’s approach would be to sell only to adults 21 and over and include possible health effects with it, and keep record of places that distribute Kratom products. 

Chairman Tyrone  Carter (D-Detroit) even admitted after testimony that while being “pretty in tune with everything in the streets,” he had no idea what Kratom was.