CJ’s Law (S829) – A Real Criminal Prohibition, Still Pending
CJ’s Law (Senate Bill 829), named for Christopher James Holowach who died after using kratom, would amend New Jersey’s controlled dangerous substances statutes to include kratom. If passed, it would make the manufacture, distribution, and possession of kratom a crime:
- Possession of one ounce or more → second‑degree crime (5‑10 years prison, up to $150,000 fine)
- Smaller amounts → third‑degree crime
- Sale to persons under 21 also prohibited
This is a real ban. No “KCPA” loopholes, no 2% caps, no warning‑label theater. It treats kratom like the dangerous opioid it is. But the bill is stalled in the Senate. It needs public support – especially from health and law enforcement groups – to move forward.
The kratom industry is actively lobbying against CJ’s Law. They want a weak “Kratom Consumer Protection Act” instead – the same failed model that has not reduced deaths in other states. We need every credible organization to speak out for the real ban.
Why CJ’s Law Is the Right Policy
- It is enforceable. No need for expensive lab tests or field tests – it bans all kratom products uniformly.
- It removes the product from the market. Unlike age restrictions or labeling laws, criminal penalties deter retailers from selling kratom at all.
- It sends a clear public health message. Kratom is not a “herbal supplement” – it is an unregulated opioid with documented lead and alcohol contamination.
- It honors victims. Christopher Holowach and others like him deserve a real response, not a press release.
What the industry wants instead: A KCPA that would leave kratom on shelves, impose unenforceable caps, and preempt local bans. Other states have tried that – and seen no reduction in poisonings or deaths. New Jersey must not make that mistake.
Contact These Organizations – Ask Them to Support CJ’s Law
These are key New Jersey groups whose public support could move the bill. Email or call them. Use the suggested message below each category.
Law Enforcement & Public Safety
Why they matter: Police and prosecutors will enforce the law. Their endorsement carries enormous weight with senators who worry about “enforceability.”
Ask them: “Will you issue a public statement supporting CJ’s Law (S829) because it provides a clear, enforceable criminal prohibition on a dangerous unregulated opioid?”
New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Policenjsacop.org
Health & Poison Control
Why they matter: They have the data on hospitalizations, poisonings, and deaths. Their support would demonstrate the public health necessity of a ban.
Ask them: “Will you publicly support CJ’s Law and provide testimony or data showing the harm caused by kratom in New Jersey?”
New Jersey Poison Information and Education Systemnjpies.org
Pharmacy
Why they matter: Pharmacists understand drug safety and contamination. Their opposition to “regulation” bills and support for a real ban is powerful.
Ask them: “Will you issue a statement supporting CJ’s Law and opposing any KCPA that would leave kratom on shelves?”
New Jersey Society of Health-System Pharmacistsnjshp.com
Medical Associations
Why they matter: Physicians, pediatricians, and addiction specialists see the real harms. Their endorsement signals that this is a health issue, not a criminal justice issue alone.
Ask them: “Will you urge the Senate to pass CJ’s Law and publicly oppose any industry‑backed KCPA compromise?”
New Jersey Chapter — American Academy of Pediatricsnjaap.org
Addiction & Recovery Providers
Why they matter: They can speak to the failure of “regulated access” and the need for a full ban to reduce addiction.
Ask them: “Will you support CJ’s Law and provide testimony about the burden of kratom addiction on your programs?”
New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agenciesnjamhaa.org
Email Template – Ask Organizations to Support CJ’s Law
Subject: Support CJ’s Law (S829) – A real criminal ban on kratom
"Dear [Organization Name],
I am a New Jersey resident concerned about the dangers of kratom – an unregulated opioid sold in gas stations and vape shops. Independent labs have found lead and high levels of alcohol in popular kratom products. The FDA has repeatedly warned that kratom has no approved medical use.
CJ’s Law (Senate Bill 829) would add kratom to New Jersey’s controlled dangerous substances list, making its manufacture, distribution, and possession a crime. Unlike weak “Kratom Consumer Protection Acts” in other states, this is a real ban that would remove kratom from shelves.
The bill is stalled in the Senate. Your organization’s public support could help move it. I urge you to:
• Issue a public statement supporting CJ’s Law
• Contact your members of the Senate Judiciary Committee
• Share data on kratom‑related harms in New Jersey
Please help us pass a real ban and protect New Jersey families. Thank you."
Email Your State Senator – Demand a Vote on S829
Subject: Move CJ’s Law (S829) – Support a real kratom criminal ban
"Dear Senator [NAME],
I am a constituent in [YOUR DISTRICT]. I urge you to advance Senate Bill 829 – CJ’s Law – to a floor vote. This bill would add kratom to New Jersey’s controlled dangerous substances list, making its manufacture, distribution, and possession a crime.
Kratom is an unregulated opioid sold in gas stations. Independent labs have found lead and ethanol (up to 16%) in popular products. The FDA has warned that kratom has no approved medical use. Weak “consumer protection” acts in other states have failed to reduce deaths – only a full criminal ban works.
Please support CJ’s Law. Do not allow the industry to water it down with a KCPA. Thank you."
Call Script for Stakeholder Outreach
When calling any of the above organizations:
"Hello, my name is [NAME] and I'm a concerned resident of New Jersey. I'm calling to ask your organization to publicly support CJ’s Law (S829), the bill that would make kratom a controlled dangerous substance. It is stalled in the Senate. Will your organization issue a statement or contact senators to support this real ban? Thank you."