State – How to Take Action

States can stop sales quickly. Ask lawmakers and agencies to use every tool they have.

See also: Letter TemplatesState Law PickerQ&A

Find State Contacts

State Senate, House & Governor

What they can do
• Pass full bans on kratom, tianeptine, phenibut, “mushroom” edibles
• Fund poison-control & public-health outreach
• Grant fast-track scheduling to health/pharmacy boards

Limitations
• State law stops at the border; online/interstate sales persist

Ask them to
• Enact bans & close loopholes (supplement/food-additive)
• Resource enforcement and school education

State Health Department

What they can do
• Issue alerts; publish ER/poisoning dashboards
• Use emergency powers to curb retail sales temporarily

Limitations
• Warn & restrict; don’t prosecute

Ask them to
• Release frequent alerts; partner with schools & local BOHs
• Share real-time data with policymakers and media

State Board of Pharmacy

What they can do
• Add substances to the state controlled list
• Stop licensed pharmacies from selling risky products

Limitations
• Limited authority over unlicensed retailers (vape/gas shops)

Ask them to
• Schedule these substances now by rule
• Recommend full legislative bans for non-pharmacy sellers

State Medical Associations

What they can do
• Educate clinicians/public; publish guidance
• Testify to committees with patient data

Limitations
• Influence policy; don’t enforce it

Ask them to
• Endorse bans; warn against kratom/tianeptine
• Share de-identified cases of harm

← Back to Take Action