Alabama could soon join a handful of states that have already restricted the easy access of the plant based opiate, krantom.

Both the House and Senate passed a bill which would classify krantom on a prescription list along with marijuana and heroin.

"Alabama leads the nation in addiction and abuse of opioid, pain prescription medication," says Barry Matson Chairman of the Alabama Drug Abuse Task Force.

Supplements that give off that same pain killer high are found in things like energy products. And getting them is as easy as going into a convenience store.

"I'm hearing from constituents on this where people have loved ones, siblings, brothers, and children addicted to this," says Alabama Senator Arthur Orr.

Kratom is a dietary supplement that is not FDA approved and is part of a deregulated industry.

Makers of products like Vivazen say their product is a natural way to find feel good relief.

"It's just in your face, and the bottles will say opioid substitute, medical grade. One of the names is OPM - opium. There's nobody that says, I'm the person that's suppose to look at them and see what's in them," explains Matson.

That's part of the reason why the state representatives decided to take matters into their own hands and pass a bill.

While the powered ingredient is not considered a drug in itself, once consumed experts say it affects the body just like an opioid would.

"That's the purpose of an opioid. It's an energy, it reduces pain, and it causes euphorias. That's what that drug does and this acts just the same," explains Matson.

While the synthetic industry is a growing one throughout the state, representatives say they want to put a stop to it before it's too late.

"is it still available? Can I drive to Georgia and get it? Yes. The black market? Sure. But, we don't need to, as a state, sanction and say that's okay.

WAAY 31 reached out the makers of Vivazen, a dietary supplement which carries krantom. We have yet to hear back from them.