Ballston Spa mom holding second protest to ban kratom, after son dies

BALLSTON SPA, N.Y. (NEWS10) — It has been nearly one year since a Ballston Spa mother lost her son to a drug called Kratom. Two months ago, state lawmakers took action to regulate the drug however, that legislation still hasn’t been signed by Governor Kathy Hochul.

Ballston Spa mom Cari Scribner has spent the last several months protesting, speaking out, pushing for legislation, but most of all, not giving up on a cause that is near and dear to her heart. Scribner lost her son Nick to a drug called Kratom in November of 2024.

“Every day I feel a little less encouraged, but I believe they will go through. I believe she will sign them,” said Scribner.

Scribner is referring to two bills that she helped push forward that would create a warning label for Kratom products as well as a hefty fine for anyone who sells kratom to people under 21 years old. Both bills were unanimously passed by the Assembly and the Senate back in July.

“But since then, we’ve been sitting,” said Scribner. “The governor has the bills on her desk, we’re just waiting and hoping she’ll pick up her pen and sign.”

NEWS10’s Vanessa Blasi reached out the Governor’s office. A spokesperson said that the, “Governor will review the legislation,” but did not specify an exact timeline. In the meantime, Scribner has been continuing her mission of informing people about kratom. She said most of the new people she talks to, still don’t know what it is.

According to the FDA, kratom is a tropical tree that comes from Southeast Asia. It’s leaves can be sold in the form of pills, teas, seltzers and more. The product is illegal in some states like Vermont, Rhode Island, Alabama, Wisconsin and Arkansas. However, in New York it is legal and often sold in local gas stations.

The product is not regulated by the FDA but in July the FDA announced it will be, “taking steps to restrict 7-OH,” which is a concentrated byproduct of kratom. The announcement specifically stated that the FDA will not be targeting, “natural kratom leaf products,” which is something Scribner shared concerns about.

“The other one is real deadly too and they have to get the warnings on there too or there will be more deaths. There will be more deaths. And for me, one death is enough,” said Scribner.

Medical Director of St. Peter’s Addiction Recovery Center Dr. Angad Madan spoke with NEWS10’s Vanessa Blasi back in March on the dangers of kratom. He said he often sees cases of kratom addiction here in the Capital Region.

“It gets a pass because its marketed as a herbal remedy but it is a drug of misuse. It is a dangerous drug just like cocaine or meth,” said Dr. Madan.

Scribner said while she waits for legislation to be signed, she will continue spreading awareness about kratom. She hopes to one day ban the drug altogether.

“I want to save other families from the same distress and grief that we had thrust on us. It was a complete shock,” said Scribner. “We never thought it, we never knew about it, and I want everybody else to know about it so that they don’t experience that.”  

Scribner held a protest outside of a Ballston Spa shop that sold kratom back in April. She plans to hold another one at a different location in Ballston Spa at the end of September. Anyone interested in joining her, can contact her via email Cariscribner@gmail.com.