NIBLEY — The Bear River Health Department is raising awareness following the opening of a retail store in Nibley dedicated to the sale of kratom, a substance often marketed as a natural supplement but increasingly linked to health risks.
Natalie Tippets, BRHD Health Educator, noted that kratom is often sold in gas stations in the form of pills and drinks, such as the “Feel Free” brand. Although proponents market the substance as a mood enhancer or focus aid, medical experts at University of Utah Health warn it can act like an opioid at high doses, leading to addiction, liver damage, and potential overdose.
The alert comes as Utah lawmakers consider significant changes to state regulations. State Sen. Mike McKell has introduced legislation for the 2026 general session that would repeal the 2019 Kratom Consumer Protection Act and reclassify kratom’s active alkaloids as a Schedule I controlled substance, effectively banning its sale in the state.
One major concern for healthcare providers is that kratom does not typically appear on standard toxicology screens, making it difficult for caregivers to identify in emergencies. Currently, the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food requires all kratom products to be registered and tested for purity and alkaloid levels, but officials warn that “natural” does not necessarily mean safe.
Officials at the BRHD are urging residents to have age-appropriate conversations with youth about the risks of products marketed as “natural supplements”. Tippets encouraged residents to stay informed and exercise caution to protect community safety as legislative debates continue.
