CHAMPS Trade Shows Teams Up With Industry Stakeholders To Protect Kratom In Las Vegas
The LVCVA reversed a pending kratom ban after industry stakeholders reached out
Las Vegas, NV. (March 8th, 2023) – CHAMPS Trade Shows, the premier counterculture trade event, is pleased to announce that through collaboration with the American Kratom Association and Botanaway, a reversal of a proposed ban policy was proclaimed today by the LVCVA (Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority) in regard to their stance on Kratom.
In late January 2023, CHAMPS Trade Shows was notified by the LVCVA General Council that products made from or containing Kratom would internally be classified in a similar manner to synthetically derived cannabis isomers. This would, in essence, constitute a total ban on Kratom within the Las Vegas Convention Center. The set date for this ban to take place was early Spring 2023.
Upon hearing this news, CHAMPS reached out to our partners in the kratom industry to notify them of the pending policy change. Coming fresh off of their victory in Virginia having established ‘first in the US’ regulations surrounding kratom, the American Kratom Association along with David Derian, CEO of Botanaway, immediately reached out to the LVCVA to begin talks on how to avoid this potential ban. After extensive discussions between the American Kratom Association, David Derian, and the LVCVA, a conclusion was reached that the updated ban surrounding kratom at the Las Vegas Convention Center would not be implemented.
From the LVCVA General Council
If in the next year, either the DEA or the Nevada Board of Pharmacy makes any changes to kratom’s classifications, our policy would change. But until then, the policy on kratom is:
In the Las Vegas Convention Center, no products made or derived from Kratom may be consumed or sampled on the show floor, including as free samples.
All Kratom products must comply with Nevada law (NRS 597.998). Product containing Kratom may not be sold or distributed to any person under 18 years of age. Kratom products may not be prepared or adulterated with a substance that affects the quality or strength of the product to such a degree as to render the kratom product injurious to a consumer. All Kratom products must have labels that identify all ingredients and directions for the safe and effective use of the kratom product.
“The American Kratom Association applauds the Las Vegas Convention Center for their change in policy that will allow for kratom exhibits in trade shows for products that are compliant with the Nevada Kratom Consumer Protection Act requirements,” said Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy with the American Kratom Association. “Kratom consumers benefit from product innovations and competition among ethical and responsible kratom vendors who traditionally have used trade shows in Nevada to highlight innovations in safe kratom consumer products.”
CEO & President of CHAMPS Trade Shows, Jeff Hirschfeld, echoed the sentiment. “We welcome the news we received from the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority regarding their new position on Kratom. This isn’t just a victory for us as a trade event, this is a victory for the brands all the way down to the consumers. The LVCVA, the LVCC, and the city of Las Vegas have been long-time valued partners to our industry. We hope this is a sign they will continue their stance as a place of safe networking where the industry of legal products in Nevada can thrive.”
David Derian added, “The entire kratom community would like to thank the LVCC and its board of directors. We as a community will be proactive in making sure all kratom vendors are respectable, courteous, and abide by all rules of both the state of Nevada as well as the LVCC itself.”
CHAMPS Trade Shows and the rest of the kratom industry look forward to returning to the Las Vegas Convention Center for CHAMPS Summer Show this coming July 19th – 22nd.
About CHAMPS Trade Shows
Since 1999, CHAMPS Trade Shows has established itself as the premier counterculture business-to-business wholesale trade expo for the counterculture industry and a global trailblazer for contemporary smoking accessories, handblown glass, clothing, and specialty gift market. CHAMPS is also home to the internationally known functional glass art competition, the CHAMPS Glass Games. Featuring the talents of the some of the world’s top glass artists competing in live events on the show floor to win cash and prizes.
CHAMPS currently has six shows that run annually in Nevada, Illinois, Florida, Colorado, and New Jersey. Our flagship event, CHAMPS Winter Show, is held annually in Las Vegas Nevada. Our upcoming shows are; CHAMPS Atlantic City at the Atlantic City Convention Center from May 9th – 11th, and CHAMPS Chicago at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont Illinois from June 6th – 8th. Pre-registered buyers can potentially win $5,000 for attending CHAMPS Atlantic City, and $10,000 for attending CHAMPS Chicago.
For more information about CHAMPS Trade Shows or any of our events, please visit www.CHAMPSTradeShows.com
About Botanaway
Headquartered in Richmond VA, Botanaway Inc has grown from a small operation to a world-class manufacturer with state-of-the-art facilities and a highly skilled team of experts. We take pride in our ability to deliver top-notch products and outstanding customer service, making us the go-to choice for businesses and individuals alike.
Our manufacturing process is guided by strict quality control standards, ensuring that every product meets the highest levels of precision and performance. We use the latest technology and cutting-edge techniques to produce innovative solutions that meet the changing needs of our customers.
We specialize in full service dietary supplement manufacturing that offers a wide variety of products such as energy supplements and energy drinks while providing cGMP packaging options.
For more information about Botanaway, please visit www.Botanaway.com
About The American Kratom Association
Established in 2014, the American Kratom Association (AKA) is committed to restoring full consumer access to kratom and to preserve and protect the freedom of consumers in the United States to make their own choices on their well-being and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The AKA is a Virginia-registered non-profit corporation, operating as a 501 c (4).
The AKA is proud that all contributions go directly toward activities focused on keeping kratom legal. The Association maintains one of the top legal firms in the country, an experienced lobbying team, and experts in the field of public relations and social media – all of which are working to push back efforts to prohibit the sales and use of natural kratom.
For more information about The American Kratom Association, please visit www.ProtectKratom.org
