Dana Pope, with her husband John by her side, holds a photo of her son, Ethan, as she speaks at a news conference at the Georgia Capitol on May 2, 2024, after Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill to regulate kratom. Extracted from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, kratom is used to make capsules, powders and liquids. It's often sold in gas stations or smoke shops, marketed as an aid for pain, anxiety and drug dependence.The Popes say their son died after using kratom and that they hope the newly signed legislation will prevent other families from having to go through what they did. (AP Photo/Kate Brumback)
State Rep. Rick Townsend speaks at a news conference at the Georgia Capitol on Thursday, May 2, 2024, after Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill to regulate kratom. Extracted from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, kratom is used to make capsules, powders and liquids. It's often sold in gas stations or smoke shops, marketed as an aid for pain, anxiety and drug dependence. Townsend sponsored the bill to increase regulations on kratom after getting a call from a constituent who said her son died after taking kratom. (AP Photo/Kate Brumback)
As state Rep. Rick Townsend looks on, Anne Rogers speaks at a news conference at the Georgia Capitol on Thursday, May 2, 2024, after Gov. Brian Kemp signed a bill to regulate kratom. Extracted from the leaves of a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia, kratom is used to make capsules, powders and liquids. It's often sold in gas stations or smoke shops, marketed as an aid for pain, anxiety and drug dependence. Townsend sponsored the bill to increase regulations on kratom after getting a call from Rogers, who said her son Wes died after taking kratom. (AP Photo/Kate Brumback)