Suffolk County lawmakers could move to join neighboring Nassau County in implementing an outright ban on Kratom today.

This afternoon, the legislature is holding a public hearing on a bill that restricts the sale, manufacture and distribution of the substance in Suffolk County.

According to the bill, lawmakers argue that Kratom poses a variety of health and safety problems both due to its increased popularity and lack of regulations.

Kratom is a plant-based substance that users say helps with energy as well as pain relief.

Opponents argue it is addictive and the synthetic version, often found in gas stations, is unregulated.

Previous meetings have been controversial, drawing large crowds that have offered hours of testimony both for and against the bill.

In March, Nassau County passed a similar ban.

This month, the New York legislature approved a bill that would restrict Kratom sales statewide. That bill is still awaiting the governor's signature.

The public hearing will take place at the Suffolk County Legislature building in Hauppauge beginning at 2 p.m.