Kratom, the leaves of a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia, has become a growing topic of concern across New York, and some counties are now taking action against it independent of state law.
Albany County banned the substance, citing an overdose death this year in which kratom was considered a factor. But opponents of the ban say a single death isn’t sufficient justification for prohibiting the product.
Kratom can act as a stimulant or produce opioid-like effects, depending on the dose…