"CJ's Law"; Criminalizes manufacture and distribution of substances containing kratom under certain circumstances.

"CJ's Law" (A5129) would criminalize the manufacture, distribution, and possession of substances containing kratom (mitragyna speciosa korth, mitragynine, or derivatives) in New Jersey. It establishes two offense levels: second-degree for 1 ounce or more (5-10 years in prison, up to $150,000 fine) and third-degree for less than 1 ounce (3-5 years in prison, up to $15,000 fine). The law includes an exception for licensed practitioners (doctors, dentists, veterinarians, etc.) who may handle such substances in professional practice. The legislation is named after Christopher James Holowach, who died from cardiac arrest related to a drug mixture containing kratom, and is based on FDA warnings about kratom's health risks including addiction and serious health issues.