"CJ's Law"; Criminalizes manufacture, sale, and possession of substances containing kratom.

CJ's Law (A3797) would criminalize the manufacture, sale, and possession of substances containing kratom in New Jersey. It sets different penalties based on quantity: possessing or distributing one ounce or more of kratom would be a second-degree crime (5-10 years in prison or up to $150,000 fine), while smaller amounts would be third-degree crimes (3-5 years or up to $15,000 fine). Kratom, a botanical substance from Southeast Asia marketed as a pain supplement but not approved for medical use, is associated with health risks including addiction and respiratory issues. The bill is named after Christopher James Holowach, who died from cardiac arrest related to kratom use. Currently, kratom is not banned by New Jersey law but is restricted under federal FDA guidelines.