OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Another convenience store product may be the latest item to be further regulated in the state.

The state Senate Labor and Commerce Committee held a public hearing on instituting a 95% excise tax on kratom on Monday, Jan. 26.

The DEA describes kratom as a tropical tree whose leaves can provide stimulant effects in low doses and sedative effects in high doses when consumed. Kratom is a product often sold at smoke shops, has addictive capabilities and can lead to psychosis.

While it is not a controlled substance on the federal level, several states have passed Kratom Consumer Protection Acts that regulate its sales.

SB 6196 aims to subject a series of regulations to the sale of the often-powdered product in the state, including that tax.

The state’s Liquor and Cannabis Board would also regulate licenses for distribution and retail of the products under the proposed rules.

Tony Sermanti on behalf of the American Kratom Association spoke against the bill, emphasizing the organization’s interest in kratom’s regulation, but with some adjustments.

“We also seek age-gating to 21 plus, labeling requirements,” Sermanti said during the hearing. “But in general, this bill goes beyond taxation in terms of felony criminal charges, specific five-year records retention requirements and product and vehicle seizures for retailers or distributors selling natural kratom products without proper licensure or even paperwork errors.”

Proceeds from the tax would go to a youth harmful substance prevention account, targeting underage abuse of kratom and nicotine products.

The proposed bill comes as Washington started the new year off with a new 95% tax on certain nicotine products.

If passed as is, the law would take effect at the beginning of next year.