LINCOLN- Nebraska lawmakers advanced a bill that would regulate kratom, an herbal substance that can produce sedative or stimulating effects. LB230 passed its first floor vote unanimously Thursday. It would set the legal age to purchase or use kratom at 21, ban advertising that may appeal to children and set labeling requirements, including a warning that the product may be "habit-forming." Kratom comes in various forms, including liquid, powder and tablet, and is available at retailers like convenience stores and vape shops.

The bill would also ban synthetic kratom, which often does not come from the kratom plant native to Southeast Asia and contains higher concentrations of the chemical 7-hydroxymitragynine. The chemical affects dopamine, kappa opioid receptors, norepinephrine and serotonin according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The FDA has not approved any uses of kratom.

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