While currently legal, Connecticut's Department of Public Health has proposed regulations to designate kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance. A public hearing was held in October 2025, and the Legislative Regulation Review Committee is expected to consider a bill in February 2026 that would make kratom a controlled substance statewide.
Official state government website confirms proposed regulations for scheduling kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance and ongoing public comment period as of October 2025. Newer articles confirm the Legislative Regulation Review Committee will decide its fate. This indicates a definite shift from 'LEGAL' to 'PENDING' for a more restrictive status.
Washington Legislature Weighs Heavy Kratom Taxes and Regulations, Signaling Major Industry Shift
**Olympia, WA** – The landscape for kratom merchants and consumers in Washington State is on the verge of a dramatic transformation, as the state Legislature actively considers a pair of bills that wo
Washington Legislature Weighs Heavy Kratom Taxes and Regulations, Signaling Major Industry Shift
Olympia, WA – The landscape for kratom merchants and consumers in Washington State is on the verge of a dramatic transformation, as the state Legislature actively considers a pair of bills that would introduce significant taxes and stringent regulations on kratom products. This legislative push, highlighted by a recent report from the Washington State Standard, could set a precedent for how o...
Virginia now has restrictions on kratom, including a ban on sales to persons under 21 years of age.
A government source (Congress.gov) from November 2023 explicitly states that Virginia bans sales of kratom to persons under 21. This age restriction changes its status from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
Tennessee Intensifies Kratom Scrutiny, Advocates Push for Regulation Over Ban
**Nashville, TN** – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has recently amplified its warnings regarding the "dangerous" effects of kratom, coinciding with legislative efforts in Tennessee and Ge
Tennessee Intensifies Kratom Scrutiny, Advocates Push for Regulation Over Ban
Nashville, TN – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has recently amplified its warnings regarding the "dangerous" effects of kratom, coinciding with legislative efforts in Tennessee and Georgia to either ban or heavily regulate the substance. This renewed focus, highlighted by a WBIR report, underscores a critical juncture for the kratom industry, particularly for merchants and consumers navigating an a...
Washington State Lawmakers Propose Staggering 95% Kratom Tax, Threatening Industry Viability
**OLYMPIA, WA** – The kratom industry in Washington State is bracing for a monumental challenge as lawmakers consider imposing an unprecedented 95% excise tax on kratom products. This proposed legisla
Washington State Lawmakers Propose Staggering 95% Kratom Tax, Threatening Industry Viability
OLYMPIA, WA – The kratom industry in Washington State is bracing for a monumental challenge as lawmakers consider imposing an unprecedented 95% excise tax on kratom products. This proposed legislation, introduced in the state Senate via bills SB 6196 and SB 6287, signals a dramatic shift in how kratom is regulated and accessed, potentially reshaping the market for both merchants and consumers.
West Virginia has adopted a Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) and bans sales to persons under 21 years of age.
West Virginia has adopted a KCPA, and a government source confirms that sales to persons under 21 are banned. These regulations clearly classify its status as 'RESTRICTED'.
South Dakota moved from legal to restricted status with the passage of House Bill 1056 in February 2025, which prohibits the sale or distribution of certain kratom products and establishes a minimum age of 21 for purchase or possession.
House Bill 1056 was signed into law on February 25, 2025, establishing an age restriction of 21 and older for purchasing or possessing kratom, and prohibiting the sale of certain kratom products. This clearly constitutes a restriction on kratom's legality.
Kratom is currently legal and unregulated in Iowa, despite pending legislation in the 2025 session (SF 367 and HF612) that aims to either ban or regulate the substance.
Multiple recent sources indicate Kratom is currently legal and unregulated in Iowa. While there are pending bills to either ban or regulate it, these have not yet passed into law, meaning its current status is not banned.
Washington State Debates Sweeping Kratom Regulations, Eyeing High Taxes and Strict Compliance
**Olympia, WA – January 31, 2026** – The future of kratom in Washington State is at a critical juncture following a recent public hearing in Olympia on proposed legislation aimed at regulating the bot
Washington State Debates Sweeping Kratom Regulations, Eyeing High Taxes and Strict Compliance
Olympia, WA – January 31, 2026 – The future of kratom in Washington State is at a critical juncture following a recent public hearing in Olympia on proposed legislation aimed at regulating the botanical substance and protecting youth. The debate, held by the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee on Monday, January 26, 2026, signals a significant shift towards tighter oversight, with potential prof...
Kratom is currently legal statewide in New Jersey with no specific 7-OH ban and remains largely unregulated, despite recent legislative efforts in early 2026 to either ban it ('CJ's Law') or establish a Kratom Consumer Protection Act.
Despite proposed legislation to ban or regulate, current reports state kratom is 'Legal statewide with no specific 7-OH ban' and 'Remains Unregulated', changing from the database's 'RESTRICTED' status.
Kratom is currently legal in South Carolina. While some sources imply a Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), a recent source indicates the state is still considering such legislation, meaning it is not yet fully restricted.
The provided status was 'RESTRICTED'. While source [23] mentions South Carolina passing a KCPA, source [26] (May 2025) more recently states 'South Carolina: Considering a KCPA to Regulate Kratom Sales'. This implies a KCPA has not yet been fully enacted, and therefore, the state is currently 'LEGAL' (unregulated) rather than 'RESTRICTED' by a KCPA. Other sources also list it as simply 'legal'.
The sale of kratom is banned in Washington, D.C., with its psychoactive components considered controlled substances.
Multiple sources confirm a ban on sale and classification as a controlled substance, moving from 'RESTRICTED' to a more explicit 'BANNED' status for sales.
Nebraska adopted the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) (LB230), requiring kratom manufacturers to register products with the Department of Revenue starting January 1, 2026. Products must meet specific standards and sales to individuals under 21 are prohibited. Violations can incur civil penalties.
The implementation of the KCPA as of January 1, 2026, regulates kratom sales and products, clearly changing its status from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'. A bill to ban it (LB431) is pending but not currently law.
Kratom is currently legal in New Mexico without statewide restrictions, a change from its previously listed 'RESTRICTED' status.
The provided status was 'RESTRICTED'. Multiple sources explicitly state that Kratom is legal in New Mexico, without mentioning any active statewide restrictions that would classify it as 'RESTRICTED'.
Kratom is currently legal in West Virginia with no statewide restrictions mentioned in recent overviews, contradicting the 'RESTRICTED' status provided in the prompt.
Multiple current resources clearly state kratom is legal in West Virginia, without indicating any state-level restrictions that would classify it as 'RESTRICTED', which was one of the conflicting statuses provided in the prompt.
TBI Raises "Dangerous" Kratom Concerns Amidst Calls for Regulation, Not Bans
**Tennessee, USA** – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has recently reiterated warnings about the "dangerous" effects of kratom, bringing renewed attention to the ongoing debate surrounding
TBI Raises "Dangerous" Kratom Concerns Amidst Calls for Regulation, Not Bans
Tennessee, USA – The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) has recently reiterated warnings about the "dangerous" effects of kratom, bringing renewed attention to the ongoing debate surrounding the herb's legal status and regulation. This development comes as kratom advocates continue to push for comprehensive regulatory frameworks, such as the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), rather than outright prohib...
Tennessee's Kratom Debate Heats Up: A Critical Juncture for Merchants and Consumers
**NASHVILLE, TN – January 30, 2026** – The debate over kratom's legal status and public health implications is intensifying in Tennessee, signaling a potentially significant shift for the state's krat
Tennessee's Kratom Debate Heats Up: A Critical Juncture for Merchants and Consumers
NASHVILLE, TN – January 30, 2026 – The debate over kratom's legal status and public health implications is intensifying in Tennessee, signaling a potentially significant shift for the state's kratom industry. While currently legal for adults aged 21 and over under a regulatory framework akin to the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), legislative efforts are underway that could lead to stricter regulati...
Missouri Lawmakers Eye Kratom Crackdown, 7-OH Ban: A Critical Update for the Kratom Industry
**Kansas City, MO** – In a move that could significantly reshape the kratom landscape in Missouri, state lawmakers are currently weighing new legislation aimed at tightening regulations on kratom prod
Missouri Lawmakers Eye Kratom Crackdown, 7-OH Ban: A Critical Update for the Kratom Industry
Kansas City, MO – In a move that could significantly reshape the kratom landscape in Missouri, state lawmakers are currently weighing new legislation aimed at tightening regulations on kratom products, including a potential ban on 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). This development, reported by missouriindependent.com, signals a growing legislative focus on the botanical and carries substantial implica...
Kratom is currently legal in Louisiana. However, Senate Bill 154, effective August 1, 2025, will classify kratom's active components as Schedule I controlled substances, enacting a statewide ban.
Multiple sources confirm kratom is currently legal in Louisiana, contradicting the provided 'BANNED' status. An enacted bill with a future effective date will change its status to banned, thus representing a significant change from the currently provided status and indicating a pending ban.
The New Jersey Kratom Consumer Protection Act is on the books, establishing regulations including age restrictions (typically 18 or older) for purchase, labeling requirements, and specifying active ingredient levels.
The provided status for New Jersey was 'LEGAL'. However, sources from legal and recovery centers explicitly state that the New Jersey Kratom Consumer Protection Act is 'on the books' (as of Oct 2023), imposing regulations such as age restrictions (18+) and labeling requirements. This moves the status to 'RESTRICTED'. While one recent news source (Jan 2026) made a general statement of 'no regulation at all', the specific mention of an enacted Act with regulations is prioritized.
Missouri Senate Committee Advances Strict Kratom and 7-OH Regulations, Signaling Major Industry Shifts
**Jefferson City, MO** – The landscape for kratom merchants and consumers in Missouri is poised for significant change following a recent discussion by the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding propose
Missouri Senate Committee Advances Strict Kratom and 7-OH Regulations, Signaling Major Industry Shifts
Jefferson City, MO – The landscape for kratom merchants and consumers in Missouri is poised for significant change following a recent discussion by the Senate Judiciary Committee regarding proposed regulations on kratom and its potent alkaloid, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, the committee heard Senate Bill 927 (SB 927), sponsored by State Sen. Maggie Nurren...
Kratom is currently legal in Kansas. A bill to criminalize the substance was removed, and while the Kratom Consumer Protection Act was under review in 2023, it failed to pass. As of early 2025, there is pending legislation (HB2230) to establish a KCPA, which would regulate sales.
The provided status for Kansas was 'BANNED'. However, multiple recent sources indicate that kratom is currently legal in Kansas, and past attempts to criminalize it were unsuccessful. While there is pending legislation (HB2230 introduced in Feb 2025) to establish a KCPA and regulate sales (making it 'RESTRICTED' if passed), the current enacted status is 'LEGAL'.
In early April 2024, Kentucky enacted a Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits sales to individuals under 21 years of age and mandates clear labeling on products.
The provided status for Kentucky was 'LEGAL'. However, a major news outlet from April 2024 explicitly states that Kentucky's Governor enacted a Kratom Consumer Protection Act, introducing age restrictions and labeling requirements. This moves the status from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
On April 4, 2024, Maryland's legislature passed a Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which will become law if signed by the Governor. This legislation prohibits sales to individuals under 21 years of age and mandates clear labeling on its products.
The provided status for Maryland was 'LEGAL'. However, a major news outlet and legislative documents confirm that Maryland's legislature passed a Kratom Consumer Protection Act in April 2024 (House Bill 1229 Chapter). This act, pending gubernatorial signature, establishes age restrictions (under 21) and labeling requirements, changing the status to 'RESTRICTED'.
Kratom is currently legal in Michigan without statewide restrictions, a change from its previously listed 'RESTRICTED' status. While legislation has been pending to classify kratom, it has not yet passed.
The provided status was 'RESTRICTED'. Multiple sources state that Kratom is legal in Michigan. Although source [3] mentions 'legislation is pending to classify kratom as a Schedule II controlled substance,' this bill has not passed and is not currently in effect, meaning no current statewide restrictions classify it as 'RESTRICTED'.
Legislation (SF367) introduced in the 2025-2026 session designates kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance, making its possession illegal with escalating penalties.
While some sources state kratom is currently legal and unregulated in Iowa, official legislative tracking (BillTrack50 and FastDemocracy) indicates that Senate File 367 (SF367) for the 2025-2026 session designates kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance, making possession illegal. This is a recent and definitive legislative action changing the status from 'LEGAL' to 'BANNED'.
In July and December 2025, legislation was passed and signed into law to prohibit the sale of kratom to individuals under 21 years of age and require consumer warning labels on all kratom products.
The provided status for New York was 'LEGAL'. However, multiple official sources from the New York State Senate and Governor's office, as well as news reports (July and December 2025), confirm that legislation has been signed into law prohibiting sales to individuals under 21 and mandating warning labels. This is a clear change to 'RESTRICTED'.
As of April 2025, legislation (LC Number 25.1127.03002) was introduced to prohibit the sale of kratom products to individuals under 21 years of age and requires the registration of kratom products.
The provided status for North Dakota was 'LEGAL'. However, legislative documents from April 2025 outline a bill that, when enacted, would prohibit sales to individuals under 21 and require product registration. This establishes a 'RESTRICTED' status.
Virginia law bans sales of kratom to persons under 21 years of age, and its law specifically applies to 'extracts' of Mitragyna speciosa.
The provided status for Virginia was 'LEGAL'. However, a legislative analysis from Congress.gov (Nov 2023) clearly states that Virginia bans sales to persons under 21. This imposes a restriction, changing the status to 'RESTRICTED'.
Kratom is currently illegal to buy, possess, use, or sell in Arkansas, classified as a Schedule I narcotic since 2015/2016.
Multiple sources from 2026 and earlier consistently state that Arkansas has banned kratom and classified it as a Schedule I controlled substance since 2015 or 2016. This is a definitive change from 'PENDING' to 'BANNED'.
Kratom is currently legal in Maryland without statewide restrictions, a change from its previously listed 'RESTRICTED' status.
The provided status was 'RESTRICTED'. Multiple sources explicitly state that Kratom is legal in Maryland, without mentioning any active statewide restrictions that would classify it as 'RESTRICTED'.
**JEFFERSON CITY, MO** – A new legislative effort in Missouri, Senate Bill 927, aims to significantly regulate the sale and composition of kratom products, particularly focusing on limiting the potenc
JEFFERSON CITY, MO – A new legislative effort in Missouri, Senate Bill 927, aims to significantly regulate the sale and composition of kratom products, particularly focusing on limiting the potency of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). The bill, recently heard by the Senate Judiciary Committee, proposes an age restriction of 21 for kratom purchases and a strict cap of 2% on 7-OH content within the product's alkalo...
While currently banned, Senate Bill 534 (2025 legislative session) aims to establish the Arkansas Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which would remove kratom from the controlled substances list and regulate its sale and distribution, including an age restriction of eighteen.
A specific bill (SB 534) in the 2025 legislative session directly addresses removing kratom from the controlled substances list and establishing a regulatory framework, indicating a shift from a banned status to a regulated/legal status.
Kratom Under Fire: Tennessee Lawmakers Push for Ban, Georgia Intensifies Regulations
**Nashville, TN & Atlanta, GA** – The legal landscape for kratom in the Southeastern United States is experiencing significant upheaval, with lawmakers in both Tennessee and Georgia actively pursuing
Kratom Under Fire: Tennessee Lawmakers Push for Ban, Georgia Intensifies Regulations
Nashville, TN & Atlanta, GA – The legal landscape for kratom in the Southeastern United States is experiencing significant upheaval, with lawmakers in both Tennessee and Georgia actively pursuing measures that could drastically alter the industry. While Tennessee sees renewed efforts for an outright ban, Georgia is implementing and proposing stricter regulations, creating a complex and challenging enviro...
**Bloomington, IL** – The Bloomington City Council has officially banned the possession and sale of kratom and synthetic alternatives, effective Monday, January 27, 2026. The decision, driven by escal
Bloomington, IL – The Bloomington City Council has officially banned the possession and sale of kratom and synthetic alternatives, effective Monday, January 27, 2026. The decision, driven by escalating safety concerns, underscores the fragmented regulatory landscape facing the kratom industry and signals a critical need for heightened compliance efforts among merchants and consumers alike.
Washington State Proposes Draconian 95% Kratom Tax and Under-21 Ban: A Wake-Up Call for the Industry
**Washington State – January 28, 2026** – The kratom industry is facing an unprecedented challenge as Washington state lawmakers consider a bill that would impose a staggering 95% excise tax on kratom
Washington State Proposes Draconian 95% Kratom Tax and Under-21 Ban: A Wake-Up Call for the Industry
Washington State – January 28, 2026 – The kratom industry is facing an unprecedented challenge as Washington state lawmakers consider a bill that would impose a staggering 95% excise tax on kratom products, alongside a ban on sales to individuals under the age of 21. This proposed legislation, reported by spokesman.com, represents one of the most aggressive regulatory attempts to date and...
Spokane Defers Kratom Ban as Washington State Eyes Comprehensive Regulation: A Critical Update for Merchants
**Spokane, WA** – In a significant development for the kratom industry, the Spokane City Council has opted to defer its proposed citywide ban on kratom, signaling a potential shift towards state-level
Spokane Defers Kratom Ban as Washington State Eyes Comprehensive Regulation: A Critical Update for Merchants
Spokane, WA – In a significant development for the kratom industry, the Spokane City Council has opted to defer its proposed citywide ban on kratom, signaling a potential shift towards state-level regulation in Washington. The council's decision, made on January 26, 2026, comes as the Washington State Legislature actively considers multiple bills aimed at establishing a statewide ...
Kratom is currently legal in North Dakota without statewide restrictions, a change from its previously listed 'RESTRICTED' status. While a KCPA was introduced in 2025, it is not confirmed as passed and enacted.
The provided status was 'RESTRICTED'. However, multiple sources state that Kratom is legal in North Dakota. Source [26] (May 2025) indicates North Dakota was 'Advancing Kratom Legislation for Consumer Protection' with H.B. 1106 in 2025, suggesting efforts toward a KCPA, but does not confirm its passage and enactment. Without an active and enacted KCPA or other specific regulations, the status is 'LEGAL' rather than 'RESTRICTED'.
Kratom is currently legal in Kentucky without statewide restrictions, a change from its previously listed 'RESTRICTED' status.
The provided status was 'RESTRICTED'. However, multiple sources explicitly state that Kratom is legal in Kentucky, without mentioning any active statewide restrictions that would classify it as 'RESTRICTED'.
Kratom is currently legal in New Jersey. The status has changed from 'PENDING' as there is no strong evidence of active, pending legislation that would alter its legal status from being unregulated.
The provided status was 'PENDING'. However, recent sources explicitly state Kratom is legal in New Jersey. While some legislative attempts, such as a Kratom Consumer Protection Act, have been introduced in the past, they have not passed. There is no current strong indication of active 'pending' legislation that would change its legal status from being unregulated, thus 'LEGAL' is the most accurate current status.
Kratom is currently legal in Virginia without statewide restrictions, a change from its previously listed 'RESTRICTED' status.
The provided status was 'RESTRICTED'. Multiple sources explicitly state that Kratom is legal in Virginia, without mentioning any active statewide restrictions that would classify it as 'RESTRICTED'.
Kratom is currently legal and unregulated in Iowa, despite previously being listed as banned. While there were considerations for a ban (SF 367), recent legislative efforts indicate a focus on a Kratom Consumer Protection Act for regulation, implying it is not currently illegal.
The provided status indicated 'BANNED'. However, source [4] from 2024 states Kratom is completely legal and unregulated in Iowa. More recent information from January 2026 from a major news outlet discusses an Iowa House subcommittee hearing public comments on a 'Kratom Consumer Protection Act' to regulate the substance, with support for regulation over an outright ban. This strongly implies kratom is not currently banned, and that legislative efforts are towards future restriction rather than ma...
Washington State Senate Committee Hears Pivotal Kratom Regulation Bills
**Olympia, WA** – The regulatory landscape for kratom in Washington State is at a critical juncture, as the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee recently held a public hearing on two significant bills,
Washington State Senate Committee Hears Pivotal Kratom Regulation Bills
Olympia, WA – The regulatory landscape for kratom in Washington State is at a critical juncture, as the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee recently held a public hearing on two significant bills, SB 6196 and SB 6287, aimed at imposing new regulations on kratom products. This legislative movement, spearheaded by Senator Rebecca Saldaña, signals a determined effort to establish statewide oversight for the botanical su...
Bloomington, Illinois Enacts Kratom Ban: A Critical Update for Merchants and Consumers
**Bloomington, IL** – The Bloomington City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance banning the sale and possession of kratom and its synthetic alternatives, marking a significant development for
Bloomington, Illinois Enacts Kratom Ban: A Critical Update for Merchants and Consumers
Bloomington, IL – The Bloomington City Council has unanimously approved an ordinance banning the sale and possession of kratom and its synthetic alternatives, marking a significant development for the kratom industry and its consumers. This decision, made on Monday, January 26, 2026, positions Bloomington among a growing number of local jurisdictions opting for prohibition in the absence of comprehensi...
Kratom is legal in California, but banned in San Diego. This makes its status restricted, not completely banned statewide.
Multiple sources clearly state that Kratom is legal in California except for San Diego, which has banned it. This shifts the statewide status from 'BANNED' to 'RESTRICTED' due to localized prohibition.
Hawaii has passed a Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) in 2023, updated in 2024, which regulates kratom. This changes its status from purely 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED' due to regulations.
A recent source from March 2025 explicitly states that the KCPA was passed in 2023 and updated in 2024, making kratom legal for those 18 or older with regulations. This constitutes a change from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
While kratom is legal, the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) is under review, and some counties are considering bans, leading to a 'RESTRICTED' status rather than simply 'LEGAL'.
Sources indicate that while kratom is generally legal, the KCPA is under review and some counties are considering bans. This indicates a move from a fully 'LEGAL' to a 'RESTRICTED' status due to impending or potential regulations/local bans.
There are active bills in the New Jersey Assembly (A.4071 and A.2642 from 2022-2023) that would either establish a Kratom Consumer Protection Act (regulating it) or make kratom a crime (banning it). These bills are 'pending in Assembly committee', indicating a 'PENDING' status for the state, rather than a clear 'LEGAL' status.
Legislative analysis from 2022-2023 shows active bills in committee that propose significant changes to kratom's legal status, ranging from regulation to outright ban. This shifts the status from 'LEGAL' to 'PENDING'.
Effective December 18, 2025, the New Mexico Environment Department declared kratom an adulterated substance when used in food and beverage products, prohibiting its sale in state-permitted food facilities. The City of Albuquerque also began enforcing a ban on kratom sales in October 2025.
Official government announcements from December and October 2025 directly state the prohibition of kratom in food/beverages statewide and a ban in Albuquerque. This clearly changes the status from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
Kratom is legal in North Carolina for individuals aged 18 and older. This age restriction makes its status 'RESTRICTED' rather than purely 'LEGAL'.
A reliable source explicitly states an age restriction of 18 and older for kratom in North Carolina. This regulation means it is not fully 'LEGAL' but 'RESTRICTED'.
Washington State Eyes Drastic 95% Kratom Excise Tax, Sparking Industry Alarm
**Olympia, WA** – The kratom industry in Washington State is at a critical juncture as state legislators consider a sweeping 95% excise tax on kratom products. The proposed tax, outlined in Senate Bil
Washington State Eyes Drastic 95% Kratom Excise Tax, Sparking Industry Alarm
Olympia, WA – The kratom industry in Washington State is at a critical juncture as state legislators consider a sweeping 95% excise tax on kratom products. The proposed tax, outlined in Senate Bill 6196, recently underwent a public hearing before the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee on January 26, 2026. This development signals a significant shift in the regulatory landscape for kratom, which is currently leg...
Virginia became the ninth state to enact the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) in March 2023, and South Carolina is listed among states that have already legislated Kratom, indicating a shift from 'PENDING' to 'RESTRICTED' due to regulation.
A news report from January 2026 mentions South Carolina as having already legislated Kratom through the KCPA. This changes its status from 'PENDING' to 'RESTRICTED' (regulated).
Iowa's SF 367, which became law as of February 20, 2025, designates kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance, making its possession and sale illegal statewide.
Official legislative tracking and news reports from 2025 confirm that SF 367 passed and designates kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance, making it illegal. This is a clear change from 'PENDING' to 'BANNED'.
Kansas currently classifies kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance, making its possession and sale illegal throughout the state. Past legislation (HB2230) to regulate it did not pass.
A source from August 2025 explicitly states Kansas classifies kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance. Legislative history shows a bill (HB2230) to regulate it failed. This is a change from 'LEGAL' to 'BANNED'.
While 7-hydroxymitragynine, a kratom component, is classified as a Schedule I controlled substance by D.C. regulations, kratom itself is not universally banned by statute, indicating a restricted rather than fully banned status for the entire substance.
A legislative analysis from April 2025 indicates that D.C. regulations classify 7-hydroxymitragynine as a Schedule I controlled substance, but explicitly notes that the legal status appears unclear as kratom and its psychoactive compounds are not scheduled in the D.C. statute. Other sources, less official, explicitly state it is legal. The distinction between a component being a Schedule I substance by regulation and the overall substance not being banned by statute suggests a 'RESTRICTED' statu...
Michigan has transitioned from an unregulated legal status to a restricted one, with licensing requirements now in effect for the distribution, sale, and manufacture of kratom products as of January 1, 2024.
While comprehensive Kratom Consumer Protection Act bills are pending, a specific bill from the Michigan Legislature, effective January 1, 2024, mandates licensing for the distribution, sale, and manufacture of kratom products. This legally binding requirement moves Michigan from a 'LEGAL' (unregulated) status to a 'RESTRICTED' (regulated) one, even if full KCPA is still in progress.
Louisiana enacted a statewide ban on Kratom through Senate Bill 154, effective August 1, 2025, classifying its active components as Schedule I substances.
Multiple news and legal sources from May and October 2025 confirm that Louisiana's SB 154, effective August 1, 2025, enacts a statewide ban on kratom by classifying its active components as Schedule I substances. This is a definitive change from the provided 'RESTRICTED' status.
Kratom has been reconfirmed as a Schedule I controlled substance in Arkansas, making its possession, sale, and distribution illegal statewide.
Multiple reputable sources, including a legislative analysis from February 2024 and October 2025 news reports, explicitly state that kratom's psychoactive components are Schedule I controlled substances in Arkansas, and a 2025 bill to regulate it failed. This confirms a BANNED status, contradicting the provided 'RESTRICTED' status.
Kratom is now fully legal in New Mexico, with no state-level restrictions on its sale or possession.
Multiple search results from 2025 explicitly state that Kratom is legal in New Mexico and has no restrictions. This directly contradicts the provided 'RESTRICTED' status.
Utah Lawmakers Debate Kratom Bans Amidst Family Appeals: A Critical Update for the Industry
**Salt Lake City, UT** – Utah lawmakers are currently engaged in a heated debate regarding potential bans on kratom, with families urging immediate and decisive action. This development, reported on J
Utah Lawmakers Debate Kratom Bans Amidst Family Appeals: A Critical Update for the Industry
Salt Lake City, UT – Utah lawmakers are currently engaged in a heated debate regarding potential bans on kratom, with families urging immediate and decisive action. This development, reported on January 23, 2026, signals a critical juncture for the kratom industry, particularly in a state that was an early adopter of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA).
Arkansas has enacted the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (SB 534) which removes kratom from the controlled substances list and establishes regulations for its sale and distribution, including an age restriction of 18 and requirements for product testing and labeling. This bill became law on May 5, 2025.
The official bill tracking site for Arkansas confirms that SB 534, which removes kratom from the controlled substances list and regulates it, became law in the 2025 legislative session.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a statewide consumer warning on October 24, 2025, declaring that foods, dietary supplements, and medical drugs containing kratom or 7-OH are dangerous and illegal to sell or manufacture for human consumption in California. The Alcoholic Beverage Control is enforcing this prohibition.
An official California government website (abc.ca.gov) explicitly states a statewide prohibition on the sale and manufacture of kratom in foods, dietary supplements, and medical drugs for human consumption, effective October 24, 2025. This constitutes a ban on common forms of kratom products.
Kratom is regulated in Louisiana, with age restrictions (21+) and provisions allowing localities to implement stricter controls or outright bans. It is not currently banned statewide.
Multiple reliable sources, including Congress.gov and Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association (LAPPA), consistently describe Louisiana as regulating kratom, including age restrictions (21+) and options for local control or bans, rather than a statewide ban.
As of legislative analysis in 2023 and 2025, kratom is currently unregulated and legal in North Carolina. House Bill 468 (2025) proposes to regulate its sale and distribution, but it has not yet become law.
Official legislative documents from the North Carolina General Assembly explicitly state that kratom is currently unregulated and legal in North Carolina. The proposed status change in House Bill 468 has not yet been enacted.
While the South Carolina Kratom Consumer Protection Act (Bill 221) was approved by the Governor on May 12, 2025, establishing regulations for kratom, a new bill (H4641) was introduced on January 13, 2026, aiming to add kratom to Schedule I controlled substances, effectively banning it statewide and repealing the KCPA. The status is now pending a potential ban.
A recently approved act (Bill 221) established regulations (confirming a RESTRICTED status). However, a new bill (H4641) introduced in January 2026, aims to ban kratom by classifying it as a Schedule I controlled substance and repealing the existing KCPA. This significant legislative action makes the future legal status uncertain, hence 'PENDING'.
South Dakota Moves to Outlaw Kratom and Hemp-Derived Consumables
**PIERRE, SD – January 22, 2026** – The landscape for kratom and hemp-derived consumable merchants and consumers in South Dakota is facing a significant shift as a legislative panel has advanced bills
South Dakota Moves to Outlaw Kratom and Hemp-Derived Consumables
PIERRE, SD – January 22, 2026 – The landscape for kratom and hemp-derived consumable merchants and consumers in South Dakota is facing a significant shift as a legislative panel has advanced bills to the Senate floor that would enact outright bans on these products. This development, emerging from the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, signals a serious threat to the availability and legality of these substances wi...
La Quinta Cracks Down: First Coachella Valley City Implements Strict Kratom Regulations
**La Quinta, CA** – In a significant development for the kratom industry, the City of La Quinta has become the first municipality in the Coachella Valley to enact comprehensive regulations on kratom p
La Quinta Cracks Down: First Coachella Valley City Implements Strict Kratom Regulations
La Quinta, CA – In a significant development for the kratom industry, the City of La Quinta has become the first municipality in the Coachella Valley to enact comprehensive regulations on kratom products. The La Quinta City Council unanimously approved Ordinance Chapter 5.94 on January 21, 2026, with the new rules set to take effect within 30 days. This move signals a growing trend of local jurisdicti...
Iowa Lawmakers Push to Classify Kratom as Schedule I Controlled Substance, Raising Alarms for Industry
**Iowa City, IA – January 23, 2026** – Iowa lawmakers are actively advancing legislation that seeks to classify kratom ( *Mitragyna speciosa*) as a Schedule I controlled substance, a move that would e
Iowa Lawmakers Push to Classify Kratom as Schedule I Controlled Substance, Raising Alarms for Industry
Iowa City, IA – January 23, 2026 – Iowa lawmakers are actively advancing legislation that seeks to classify kratom ( Mitragyna speciosa) as a Schedule I controlled substance, a move that would effectively criminalize the plant and its derivatives within the state. This development, highlighted by recent reports, signals a critical juncture for kratom merchants and consumers in Iowa, d...
California Unleashes Statewide Crackdown on Kratom Sales, Sending Ripples Through Industry
**Sacramento, CA – January 22, 2026** – A recent news item from krcrtv.com detailing "mixed reactions" from local retailers and the public regarding a kratom ban in Shasta County, California, highligh
California Unleashes Statewide Crackdown on Kratom Sales, Sending Ripples Through Industry
Sacramento, CA – January 22, 2026 – A recent news item from krcrtv.com detailing "mixed reactions" from local retailers and the public regarding a kratom ban in Shasta County, California, highlights a much broader and immediate statewide enforcement action that has significant implications for kratom merchants and consumers across the Golden State. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH),...
Ohio on the Brink: Emergency Ban on Synthetic Kratom, Natural Leaf Under Threat
**COLUMBUS, OH – January 22, 2026** – The kratom industry in Ohio faces a critical juncture as state authorities advance measures that could drastically reshape the market. An emergency rule has alrea
Ohio on the Brink: Emergency Ban on Synthetic Kratom, Natural Leaf Under Threat
COLUMBUS, OH – January 22, 2026 – The kratom industry in Ohio faces a critical juncture as state authorities advance measures that could drastically reshape the market. An emergency rule has already taken effect, immediately banning synthetic and concentrated kratom products, while the Ohio Board of Pharmacy has initiated steps to permanently classify natural kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance. This ...
Fresno Cracks Down on Kratom: A Bellwether for Nationwide Compliance
**Fresno, CA** – The landscape for kratom merchants and consumers in California is undergoing significant shifts following recent actions by the Fresno Health Department and local governing bodies. In
Fresno Cracks Down on Kratom: A Bellwether for Nationwide Compliance
Fresno, CA – The landscape for kratom merchants and consumers in California is undergoing significant shifts following recent actions by the Fresno Health Department and local governing bodies. In a move that signals increasing scrutiny on the supplement industry, the Fresno County Board of Supervisors voted on November 18, 2025, to restrict the sale of certain kratom products, closely followed by similar ordinances fro...
Navy Imposes Blanket Ban on Kratom for Sailors, Raising Compliance Stakes for Merchants
**San Diego, CA** – The U.S. Navy has officially prohibited its sailors from using kratom, including its primary alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, effective December 31, 2025. This decis
Navy Imposes Blanket Ban on Kratom for Sailors, Raising Compliance Stakes for Merchants
San Diego, CA – The U.S. Navy has officially prohibited its sailors from using kratom, including its primary alkaloids mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, effective December 31, 2025. This decisive move, announced via a January 14 memo and reported by NavyTimes.com on January 23, 2026, signals a growing institutional concern over the substance and places kratom alongside other illicit drugs in milit...
Bloomington Eyes Kratom Ban, Highlighting Critical Compliance Needs for Merchants
**Bloomington, IL – January 24, 2026** – The city of Bloomington, Illinois, is poised to consider a municipal ban on the herbal substance kratom, along with synthetic alternative drugs, during its upc
Bloomington Eyes Kratom Ban, Highlighting Critical Compliance Needs for Merchants
Bloomington, IL – January 24, 2026 – The city of Bloomington, Illinois, is poised to consider a municipal ban on the herbal substance kratom, along with synthetic alternative drugs, during its upcoming city council meeting on Monday, January 26, 2026. This development underscores the persistent and evolving regulatory challenges facing the kratom industry across the United States.
Iowa House Bill 2133 (formerly HSB 508), introduced on January 21, 2026, proposes to designate kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance, which would result in a full ban if enacted. The bill is currently in the legislative process.
An official state legislative portal (LegiScan for Iowa) indicates a bill has been introduced in January 2026 that aims to classify kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance, moving its status from legal to a proposed ban. As of the current date, the bill is introduced and placed on the calendar, indicating a pending change.
New Jersey Assembly Bill 1188, introduced in January 2024, proposes the 'New Jersey Kratom Consumer Protection Act.' This act would regulate kratom products, prohibiting adulterated products, banning sales to individuals under 21, and mandating labeling standards. The bill is currently pending legislative review.
Official legislative information confirms the introduction of a bill that, if passed, would establish regulations for kratom sales and products, effectively changing the state's status from legal to restricted. As the bill is still in the legislative process ('Introduced Pending Technical Review'), the status is pending.
The New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has prohibited kratom in any food or beverage products sold in state-permitted establishments, effective December 18, 2025. Kratom is now considered an unapproved food ingredient and adulterated under state food safety regulations.
An official press release from the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) dated December 18, 2025, explicitly states the prohibition of kratom in food and beverages, classifying it as an unapproved and adulterated substance. This represents a significant restriction on its commercial sale, changing the status from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
Kratom is now legal for possession and use for individuals aged 18 and older, indicating an enacted age restriction.
While previously listed as 'LEGAL' without qualification, current information indicates that kratom is legal for individuals aged 18 and older in North Carolina. This age restriction constitutes a form of regulation, changing the status to 'RESTRICTED'.
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control is enforcing a statewide prohibition against the sale and manufacture of 'illegal and dangerous kratom products,' specifically those containing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). The consumption of these products is deemed illegal, and licensees must remove them from shelves or face disciplinary action.
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, an official state agency, issued a notice declaring certain kratom products illegal for sale and human consumption statewide, effective January 15, 2026. This shifts the status from generally legal to restricted, targeting specific forms and derivatives like 7-OH, while not instituting a full ban on all kratom.
North Dakota House Bill 1566, signed into law on April 28, 2025, regulates kratom products. It prohibits the sale of kratom to individuals under 21 years of age and mandates labeling requirements for kratom processors and retailers. The law also calls for a legislative management study during the 2025-2026 interim.
Official legislative sources confirm that House Bill 1566 was signed into law and became effective in 2025, establishing specific regulations for kratom sales, including an age restriction. This definitively changes the status from legal to restricted.
The California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) and the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) are actively enforcing the removal of kratom-containing food and dietary supplements from stores, declaring them adulterated under federal and state law and illegal to sell for consumption.
Official California state government press release from January 2026 details active enforcement against kratom products sold as food or dietary supplements, citing federal and state adulteration laws. This signifies a restriction on sales channels and product forms, moving the status from generally 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED' regarding its commercial availability for consumption.
Effective December 12, 2025, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy issued an emergency rule (OAC 4729:9-1-01.1) making all forms of kratom-related products, including synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), illegal to sell, possess, or distribute in the state. However, products composed solely of mitragynine (natural kratom in its vegetation form) are not subject to this emergency ban. The Board plans to propose a permanent rule.
The Ohio Board of Pharmacy, an official state entity, issued an emergency rule with an effective date in December 2025 that restricts certain kratom products. While not a full ban on all kratom, it significantly limits the legality of specific forms, changing the status from legal to restricted.
Kratom is fully illegal in Rhode Island, classified as a Schedule I controlled substance, prohibiting its sale, purchase, possession, and use statewide.
Multiple reliable sources explicitly state that kratom is banned and classified as a Schedule I controlled substance in Rhode Island. This indicates a complete prohibition, a change from the previously listed 'RESTRICTED' status.
As of 2026, kratom is listed as 'fully illegal' in Rhode Island, classifying it as a controlled substance. While a bill was passed to reverse a previous ban and establish regulation, that regulation is slated to begin in April 2026, indicating a current status of prohibition.
Conflicting information exists regarding Rhode Island's status. While one source indicates a bill passed to reverse a ban and establish regulation starting April 2026, another source from 2026 states it is 'fully illegal' and a controlled substance. Prioritizing the more definitive 'fully illegal' status for the current time (pre-April 2026 regulation) and interpreting 'controlled substance' as a ban, the status is considered BANNED, which is a change from the prompt's 'RESTRICTED'.
South Carolina Senate Bill 221, known as the 'South Carolina Kratom Consumer Protection Act,' was signed into law on May 12, 2025, and became effective in July 2025. This act regulates kratom products by establishing safety and labeling standards and prohibiting sales to individuals under 21 years of age.
Official legislative records confirm the enactment of Senate Bill 221 in 2025, which introduced regulations for kratom, including age restrictions and product standards. This moves the state's legal status from legal to restricted.
Kratom is legal for individuals 18 and older, but is banned in the town of Franklin, thus making the statewide status 'RESTRICTED'.
Both cited sources indicate an age restriction of 18 and a local ban in Franklin, which classifies the state's status as 'RESTRICTED' rather than fully 'LEGAL'.
Kratom is currently legal in New Mexico. No specific statewide restrictions were found to support the previous 'RESTRICTED' status.
Multiple sources from 2025 and an April 2025 LAPPA report list Kratom as legal or legal but may be regulated in New Mexico. No specific statewide restrictions were identified to support a 'RESTRICTED' status.
South Dakota Senate Committee Declines Immediate Ban on Kratom and Hemp-Derived THC Products, Sends Bills to Full Senate Without Recommendation
**PIERRE, SD – January 23, 2026** – In a development closely watched by the kratom and hemp industries, the South Dakota Senate Health and Human Services Committee has opted not to endorse or reject t
South Dakota Senate Committee Declines Immediate Ban on Kratom and Hemp-Derived THC Products, Sends Bills to Full Senate Without Recommendation
PIERRE, SD – January 23, 2026 – In a development closely watched by the kratom and hemp industries, the South Dakota Senate Health and Human Services Committee has opted not to endorse or reject two significant bills – Senate Bill 77 (SB 77), which proposed an outright ban on kratom, and Senate Bill 61 (SB 61), aimed at restricting hemp-derived T...
Kratom is currently legal in South Carolina. No specific statewide restrictions were found to support the previous 'RESTRICTED' status.
Multiple sources from 2025 and an April 2025 LAPPA report list Kratom as legal or legal but may be regulated in South Carolina. No specific statewide restrictions were identified to support a 'RESTRICTED' status.
While not banned statewide, Kratom is illegal in certain cities and counties, making the overall state status restricted rather than fully banned.
Multiple sources indicate that Kratom is legal in most of California but banned in specific localities like San Diego, and subject to localized bans in other cities, which aligns with a 'RESTRICTED' status rather than a blanket 'BANNED' classification for the entire state.
Kratom's psychoactive components (7-hydroxymitragynine) are controlled substances in the District of Columbia, effective March 2016.
The Legislative Analysis and Public Policy Association reports, updated as recently as April 2025, clearly state that 7-hydroxymitragynine (a psychoactive component of Kratom) is a Schedule I controlled substance in D.C. This makes Kratom effectively 'BANNED' despite some general statements of legality, as the components are controlled.
Kansas currently classifies Kratom as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, making its possession and sale illegal statewide, despite pending legislation that could change its status.
A 2025 source explicitly states that Kansas currently classifies Kratom as a Schedule 1 controlled substance, making its possession and sale illegal throughout the state. While other sources mention it as legal or under review, the direct classification as a controlled substance takes precedence.
Kratom is legal for individuals 18 and older, which constitutes a restriction on its sale and possession, moving its status from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
A specific age restriction of 18 and older for possession and use is a clear limitation, classifying the status as 'RESTRICTED'.
Kratom is fully illegal in Rhode Island, classifying its status as 'BANNED'.
Recent information from 2026 confirms Rhode Island has made Kratom fully illegal. Additionally, other sources state Kratom is illegal to buy, possess, use, or sell, and its psychoactive components are controlled substances.
The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) has passed in Utah, requiring retailers to test the substance before selling, moving its status from 'PENDING' to 'RESTRICTED'.
Both cited sources confirm the passage of the KCPA in Utah, which implements regulations such as product testing, indicating a 'RESTRICTED' status.
Navy Solidifies Kratom Ban, Signaling Heightened Scrutiny for the Industry
**Washington D.C.** – The U.S. Navy has officially reinforced its prohibition on kratom use among service members, a move that aligns with a broader Pentagon directive to outlaw the substance across t
Navy Solidifies Kratom Ban, Signaling Heightened Scrutiny for the Industry
Washington D.C. – The U.S. Navy has officially reinforced its prohibition on kratom use among service members, a move that aligns with a broader Pentagon directive to outlaw the substance across the entire U.S. military. This news, initially reported by Stars and Stripes, highlights the military's ongoing concerns regarding kratom's safety and its potential impact on operational readiness.
Kratom is fully illegal in Vermont, classifying its status as 'BANNED'.
Recent information from 2026 confirms Vermont has made Kratom fully illegal. Additionally, other sources state Kratom is illegal to buy, possess, use, or sell, and its psychoactive components are controlled substances.
Kratom is currently legal in Washington. No specific statewide restrictions were found to support the previous 'RESTRICTED' status.
Multiple sources from 2025 and an April 2025 LAPPA report list Kratom as legal or legal but may be regulated in Washington. No specific statewide restrictions were identified to support a 'RESTRICTED' status.
Heartland Community Enacts Kratom Ban, Signaling Intensified Regulatory Scrutiny
**[City, State]** – Another community in the American Heartland has moved to ban the sale of kratom, reflecting a growing trend of local and state governments imposing stricter regulations or outright
Heartland Community Enacts Kratom Ban, Signaling Intensified Regulatory Scrutiny
[City, State] – Another community in the American Heartland has moved to ban the sale of kratom, reflecting a growing trend of local and state governments imposing stricter regulations or outright prohibitions on the botanical substance. While the specific community enacting this recent ban remains unnamed in the initial report, this development underscores the urgent need for kratom merchants and consumers ...
Orange County Intensifies Kratom Crackdown: A Critical Alert for Merchants and Consumers
**Orange County, CA – January 21, 2026** – A rapidly evolving regulatory landscape in Orange County, California, has seen multiple cities enact new ordinances targeting kratom, creating a complex and
Orange County Intensifies Kratom Crackdown: A Critical Alert for Merchants and Consumers
Orange County, CA – January 21, 2026 – A rapidly evolving regulatory landscape in Orange County, California, has seen multiple cities enact new ordinances targeting kratom, creating a complex and challenging environment for merchants and consumers alike. This localized crackdown, coupled with escalating state-level enforcement, signals a critical juncture for the kratom industry, particularly for hig...
## Florida Moves to Schedule 7-OH: A Critical Warning for Kratom Merchants and Consumers **Tallahassee, FL – January 21, 2026** – The state of Florida is currently considering a significant legislativ
KratomBans.com News Brief
Florida Moves to Schedule 7-OH: A Critical Warning for Kratom Merchants and Consumers
Tallahassee, FL – January 21, 2026 – The state of Florida is currently considering a significant legislative move that could permanently classify 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent alkaloid derived from the kratom plant, as a Schedule I controlled substance. This development, recently reported by wusf.org, signals a critical juncture for the kratom industry and its consumer...
Contrary to its previous 'BANNED' status, kratom is not classified as a controlled substance in the District of Columbia and is currently legal to buy, sell, and possess. There are no specific local regulations governing it, although there have been calls for a nationwide ban by the FDA.
Multiple recent sources from 2025 explicitly state kratom is legal and not a controlled substance in D.C., directly contradicting the provided 'BANNED' status. There's a push for a federal ban, but it has not been implemented in D.C. itself, and the substance is widely available.
While kratom remains generally legal statewide, Kansas City introduced an ordinance in December 2025 prohibiting the sale of kratom and other unregulated psychoactive substances. This significant local ban transitions the state's overall status from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
A city-level ordinance introduced in December 2025 banning the sale of kratom within Kansas City limits represents a new significant restriction in a state previously listed as 'LEGAL' statewide.
Kratom has been legal in Minnesota since 2018 for adults aged 18 or older to possess, sell, distribute, or grow. The market is currently unregulated, despite some legislative proposals for a Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which have not yet passed.
Multiple sources from 2023 and 2025 consistently confirm that kratom is legal for adults in Minnesota since 2018 and is currently unregulated, directly contradicting the provided 'RESTRICTED' status.
Nebraska passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (LB 230) in May 2025, which became effective at the beginning of 2026. This act regulates the sale of kratom, prohibiting sales to individuals under 21, banning adulterated/synthetic products, and requiring manufacturer registration and specific labeling. This changes the status from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
Multiple reliable sources from 2025 and 2026, including legislative updates and news reports, confirm the passage and implementation of the KCPA. This act introduces significant restrictions on sales, labeling, and product content, changing the state's status from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
Assembly Bill No. 5129, known as 'CJ's Law,' which would criminalize the manufacture, possession, and sale of kratom, was reported favorably by the Assembly Appropriations Committee in December 2025. A legislative committee also approved this law in June 2024. While not yet fully enacted, the legislative process indicates a strong move towards a statewide ban, transitioning its status from 'LEGAL' to 'PENDING'.
Recent legislative actions, including committee approval and favorable reporting of a bill specifically designed to criminalize kratom, indicate that a statewide ban is in an advanced 'PENDING' state, despite it currently being legal.
Effective December 18, 2025, the New Mexico Environment Department prohibited the use of kratom in any food or beverage products sold in state-permitted establishments, considering it an adulterated food ingredient. Enforcement with citations and fines began after Labor Day 2025. This changes the status from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
Official state government agency (NMED) pronouncements and enforcement actions in late 2025 clearly restrict the sale of kratom in food/beverages. This represents a significant shift from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED' by limiting its commercial availability in a key sector.
Effective December 12, 2025, Ohio Administrative Code 4729:9-1-01.1 makes 'kratom-related products' (synthetic compounds and derivatives like 7-hydroxymitragynine) illegal to sell, possess, or distribute. Governor Mike DeWine signed an executive order to this effect. Natural kratom (mitragynine) is subject to ongoing rulemaking for potential scheduling, indicating a partial ban and ongoing regulation.
Official state government sources (Ohio Board of Pharmacy, Governor's office) and multiple news outlets confirm the ban on synthetic/derived kratom products effective December 2025. This introduces significant restrictions, leading to a 'RESTRICTED' status for kratom overall.
The Rhode Island Kratom Act (2025-H 5565A, 2025-S 0792A) was signed into law on July 3, 2025, reversing the state's previous ban on kratom. This new law replaces prohibition with regulations that ban adulterated kratom, require adequate labeling, and set an age restriction of 21 for sales. This changes the status from 'RESTRICTED' to 'LEGAL'.
Multiple official legislative and news sources from 2025 confirm the signing and effectuation of a law that explicitly reverses the ban on kratom and introduces regulations, changing the status from 'RESTRICTED' to 'LEGAL'.
The South Carolina Kratom Consumer Protection Act (S.221) was signed into law in May 2025, effective around July 2025. This law regulates kratom sales by banning sales to those under 21, requiring products to be behind the counter, mandating clear labeling, and prohibiting synthetic alkaloids. This changes the status from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
Multiple official legislative and news sources from 2025 confirm the signing and effectuation of a law that introduces significant restrictions on kratom sales, changing the state's status from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
Governor Kathy Hochul signed two bills into law on December 22, 2025. These laws prohibit the sale of kratom products to individuals under 21 years of age and require consumer warning labels on all kratom products. The age restriction took effect immediately. This changes the status from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
Official statements from the Governor's office and multiple news outlets confirm the signing of bills in December 2025 that impose significant restrictions (age limit, labeling) on kratom sales, changing the state's status from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
A new bill introduced in the Utah Legislature in late 2025 (to be considered in early 2026) aims to repeal the existing Kratom Consumer Protection Act and classify kratom alkaloids (including 7-OH and mitragynine) as Schedule I controlled substances, which would effectively ban kratom statewide. The Health and Human Services Interim Committee voted to fast-track this ban bill, transitioning its status from 'RESTRICTED' to 'PENDING'.
Strong legislative action in late 2025 to fast-track a bill for a statewide ban, with explicit intent to repeal existing regulations and schedule kratom as a controlled substance, represents a significant move from 'RESTRICTED' to 'PENDING' for a 'BANNED' status.
Kratom became banned in Connecticut as of 2025 after Public Act 25-101 (HB 6855) was signed, allowing the Department of Consumer Protection to classify kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance. Proposed regulations to designate kratom as a Schedule 1 controlled substance had a public hearing in October 2025, solidifying the ban's implementation.
Multiple reputable sources from 2025 and 2026, including legislative news and legal summaries, confirm that legislation passed in 2025 allowing the Department of Consumer Protection to schedule kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance. One source from January 2026 explicitly states it is now banned, following public hearings in October 2025. This is a clear change from the previously listed 'LEGAL' status.
House Bill 416, the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, was introduced in 2025 and became effective on July 1, 2025. This law reverses Vermont's previous ban on kratom by establishing a regulatory framework that includes a product registry, labeling requirements, and prohibitions on dangerous or synthetic products. This changes the status from 'BANNED' to 'RESTRICTED'.
Multiple legislative and news sources confirm the introduction and effective date (July 1, 2025) of legislation that replaces a ban with a regulatory framework, moving the state from 'BANNED' to 'RESTRICTED'.
Washington passed Senate Bill 5533, enacting the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) in 2023. This law regulates kratom by requiring products to be pure, unadulterated, and clearly labeled, and sets the legal age to purchase at 21. This changes the status from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
Official legislative information and news sources confirm the passage and effectuation of the KCPA in 2023, introducing significant restrictions (age limit, labeling, purity) and thus changing the state's status from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
As of late 2025 and early 2026, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) and the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) have declared that kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products, when marketed as foods, dietary supplements, or medical drugs for human consumption, are dangerous and illegal to sell or manufacture in California. Enforcement actions are underway against businesses, particularly ABC-licensed establishments, found selling these products.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) issued a statewide consumer warning on October 24, 2025, explicitly stating that 'foods, dietary supplements and medical drugs containing kratom and 7-OH are Dangerous and Illegal to Sell or Manufacture for Consumption' in the state. This stance was reinforced by the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) through advisories on January 15 and 16, 2026, instructing licensees to remove these products from shelves, citing the CDPH ...
California Intensifies Kratom Crackdown: Merchants Face Immediate Enforcement and Significant Risks
**Sacramento, CA – January 19, 2026** – California health officials have launched an aggressive compliance and enforcement campaign targeting the sale of kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) product
California Intensifies Kratom Crackdown: Merchants Face Immediate Enforcement and Significant Risks
Sacramento, CA – January 19, 2026 – California health officials have launched an aggressive compliance and enforcement campaign targeting the sale of kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products, asserting that these items are already unlawful to sell or manufacture for consumption in the state. This move, spearheaded by the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) in conjunction w...
Kratom is now fully illegal in Rhode Island, classified as a Schedule I controlled substance statewide, a change from its previous restricted status.
Multiple reputable sources explicitly state that kratom is fully illegal/banned in Rhode Island, which is a change from the provided 'RESTRICTED' status. Its active compounds are considered Schedule I controlled substances. Specific bill details for the ban were not consistently provided across snippets, but the 'BANNED' status is widely reported.
**CDPH Issues Urgent Kratom Warning Following Six Overdose Deaths in Los Angeles County: A Critical Alert for the Industry**
**FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE** Los Angeles, CA – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a stark warning regarding the herbal substance kratom and its alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-
CDPH Issues Urgent Kratom Warning Following Six Overdose Deaths in Los Angeles County: A Critical Alert for the Industry
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Los Angeles, CA – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a stark warning regarding the herbal substance kratom and its alkaloid 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), following six recent overdose deaths reported in Los Angeles County. The alert, widely disseminated by news outlets like ABC7 San Francisco on January 18, 2026, signals...
CDPH Issues Stark Warning: Kratom and 7-OH Products Deemed Dangerous and Illegal in California, Merchants Face Enforcement
**Sacramento, CA – January 19, 2026** – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a critical statewide advisory, sending a clear and unequivocal warning to retailers and the public
CDPH Issues Stark Warning: Kratom and 7-OH Products Deemed Dangerous and Illegal in California, Merchants Face Enforcement
Sacramento, CA – January 19, 2026 – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued a critical statewide advisory, sending a clear and unequivocal warning to retailers and the public regarding the severe dangers and illegality of "Kratom-derived Products and 7-OH" (7-hydroxymitragynine). This move signals intensified regulatory scrutiny and potential enf...
Iowa House Advances Bill to Criminalize Kratom, Threatening Industry and Consumer Access
**Iowa City, IA – January 16, 2026** – In a significant and concerning development for the kratom industry and consumers nationwide, Iowa House lawmakers have advanced a bill that seeks to reclassify
Iowa House Advances Bill to Criminalize Kratom, Threatening Industry and Consumer Access
Iowa City, IA – January 16, 2026 – In a significant and concerning development for the kratom industry and consumers nationwide, Iowa House lawmakers have advanced a bill that seeks to reclassify kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance. This move, reported by KCCI, would effectively ban the plant and its derivatives, imposing severe criminal penalties for possession and distribution.
Connecticut officially banned kratom, classifying it as a Schedule I controlled substance. The ban, enacted through Public Act 25-101 (HB6855), took effect after Governor Ned Lamont signed the bill on June 25, 2025. The Department of Consumer Protection is moving forward with scheduling kratom, making its sale, possession, and distribution illegal.
Multiple sources, including legislative tracking and news articles from late 2025 and early 2026, confirm the ban, its effective date, and classification as a controlled substance. Conflicting information in some snippets (16, 41) stating it is still legal but will be banned soon is superseded by sources (6, 38) indicating the ban is in effect or that the Department of Consumer Protection has moved to schedule it. Prioritizing the official legislative action and intent to schedule, the status is...
Massachusetts is moving to ban kratom, with its public health agency having approved a regulation to classify it as a 'schedule one' controlled substance as of November 2025. Several bills (H1680, H1631, S1558) from the 2025-2026 legislative session propose adding kratom or its active compounds to Class A controlled substances, which would effectively criminalize its possession, distribution, and sale.
Multiple legislative bills for the 2025-2026 session propose classifying kratom as a Class A controlled substance, which would ban it. A news report from November 2025 (8) indicates the public health agency approved a similar regulation to classify it as a 'schedule one' controlled substance. This directly conflicts with the 'Currently LEGAL' status provided, indicating a strong, imminent, or recently enacted ban.
Rhode Island has banned kratom, classifying it as a controlled substance. Although a bill was passed to reverse the ban and establish regulation, this change is set to begin in April 2026. Therefore, as of January 2026, kratom remains illegal in Rhode Island.
Multiple sources (19, 24, 30, 35) confirm that Rhode Island has banned kratom or classifies it as a controlled substance. While a bill is in place for future regulation starting April 2026, the current status as of January 2026 is a ban. This is a change from the provided 'Currently RESTRICTED' status, as 'RESTRICTED' typically implies legality with limitations, not a full ban.
Hawaii, previously listed as 'LEGAL', has adopted a statewide Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) in 2023, with updates in 2024. This legislation introduces regulations on kratom products, including requirements for testing, labeling, and marketing. It also sets an age limit of 18 years for the purchase, sale, or possession of kratom. Attempts to pass further regulatory bills (HB717 and SB463) in the 2025 legislative session failed to advance.
Multiple sources confirm the implementation of a KCPA in Hawaii in 2023/2024, which moves the state from an unregulated 'LEGAL' status to a 'RESTRICTED' status with specific rules and age limits. While direct bill numbers for the 2023/2024 KCPA were not consistently available in snippets, the existence and effect of the act are well-documented. Efforts for further regulation in 2025 were unsuccessful.
Kansas enacted the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) via House Bill 2230 in 2022, which restricts the sale of kratom products to individuals 21 years of age and older. It also establishes regulations for manufacturing and labeling.
The user listed Kansas as 'Currently LEGAL'. However, legislative records clearly show the enactment of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, which imposes age restrictions and other regulations, thereby changing its status to 'RESTRICTED'. The most recent legislative summary for HB2230, which encompasses the KCPA, indicates an age restriction of 21.
Missouri enacted Senate Bill 775 (2022), the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), effective August 28, 2022. This legislation restricts the sale of kratom products to individuals under 18 years of age and sets forth labeling and purity standards.
The user listed Missouri as 'Currently LEGAL'. Official legislative documents confirm the passage of SB 775, establishing the KCPA with age and product regulations, changing the status to 'RESTRICTED'.
Nebraska passed Legislative Bill 917 (2022), enacting the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, effective July 19, 2022. This act prohibits the sale or distribution of kratom products to individuals under 21 years of age and requires products to comply with manufacturing and labeling standards.
The user listed Nebraska as 'Currently LEGAL'. Legislative records clearly show the enactment of LB 917, which brought age restrictions (21+) and other regulations, moving its status to 'RESTRICTED'.
North Carolina passed House Bill 747 in 2016, implementing an age restriction that prohibits the sale of kratom to individuals under 18 years of age. This makes kratom 'RESTRICTED' rather than fully legal without regulation.
The user listed North Carolina as 'Currently LEGAL'. However, House Bill 747, passed in 2016, established an age restriction for kratom sales (18+), which falls under the definition of 'RESTRICTED'.
Governor Hochul signed legislation in December 2025 that restricts the sale of kratom to individuals under 21 years of age and requires consumer warning labels on all kratom products manufactured, distributed, or sold in the state.
The enactment of age restrictions and mandatory warning labels by the Governor's signature constitutes a definitive change from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED' with specific regulations.
A new law, the South Carolina Kratom Consumer Protection Act (Senate Bill 221), was signed by Gov. Henry McMaster in May 2025. It regulates the sale of kratom by banning sales to anyone under 21, requiring products to be kept behind the counter, mandating clear labeling, and removing synthetic compounds.
The enactment of comprehensive regulatory legislation, including age restrictions and labeling requirements, marks a definitive change from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
Call for Kratom Regulation in Orlando Sentinel Signals Growing Pressure on Industry
**Orlando, FL – January 16, 2026** – The ongoing debate surrounding kratom regulation has once again taken center stage, with a letter to the editor published today in the Orlando Sentinel advocating
Call for Kratom Regulation in Orlando Sentinel Signals Growing Pressure on Industry
Orlando, FL – January 16, 2026 – The ongoing debate surrounding kratom regulation has once again taken center stage, with a letter to the editor published today in the Orlando Sentinel advocating for the regulation of kratom and its compounds, rather than outright prohibition. The letter, titled "Letters: Regulate kratom | Venezuelan oil | Dems will get revenge," specifically highlighted the significant i...
Effective December 12, 2025, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy enacted an emergency rule making all forms of kratom-related products illegal to sell, possess, or distribute, with the explicit exception of products composed solely of mitragynine (natural kratom in vegetation form). Governor DeWine has also requested the Board to pursue regular rulemaking for scheduling natural kratom.
The implementation of an emergency rule banning synthetic and derivative kratom products signifies a clear transition from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED', with a partial ban in effect and further restrictions on natural kratom under consideration.
As of December 2025, the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) has determined that kratom is not an approved food ingredient and may not be used in any food or beverage produced, prepared, or sold in state-permitted food establishments. Any food containing kratom is considered adulterated. The City of Albuquerque also bans retail sales of kratom under its Food Service and Retail Ordinance.
The statewide prohibition of kratom in food and beverages by NMED, and the municipal ban on retail sales in Albuquerque, represent a clear shift from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED' at both state and significant local levels.
Ohio Pharmacy Board Initiates Process for Total Kratom Ban, Sending Ripples Through Industry
**Cincinnati, OH** – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the kratom industry, the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy has officially begun the process to classify kratom as a Schedule I controlled sub
Ohio Pharmacy Board Initiates Process for Total Kratom Ban, Sending Ripples Through Industry
Cincinnati, OH – In a move that has sent shockwaves through the kratom industry, the Ohio State Board of Pharmacy has officially begun the process to classify kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance, effectively initiating a total ban on the plant within the state. This significant development comes just months after Ohio implemented a ban on synthetic kratom compounds, signaling an escalatin...
While previously operating under the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), several bills were introduced in late 2025 in Utah, including one by State Senator Mike McKell, that aim for a complete ban on kratom or certain kratom products and to repeal the KCPA.
Despite Utah being the first state to pass the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) in 2019, which regulated kratom, recent legislative actions in November 2025 (prior to the current date of January 2026) show that bills have been filed and passed through committees with the goal of banning kratom entirely and repealing the KCPA. This shift from regulated legality to active legislative pursuit of a ban indicates a 'PENDING' status for its legal future.
Kratom is now illegal to buy, possess, use, or sell in Rhode Island.
Multiple reliable sources, including news outlets and legal status summaries, confirm that Rhode Island has a total ban on kratom, classifying it as illegal to buy, sell, possess, or use. This represents a change from the previously listed 'RESTRICTED' status.
Kratom is legal for adults 18 and older in Hawaii. A statewide Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) was passed in 2023 and updated in 2024, introducing regulations on testing, labeling, and marketing of kratom products, and prohibiting sales to individuals under 18 years of age.
Multiple sources confirm the passage of the KCPA in Hawaii, which introduces specific regulations including age restrictions and quality standards. This shifts the status from simply 'LEGAL' (unregulated) to 'RESTRICTED' (regulated).
Kratom is legal for adults 18 and older in Maine. The state has enacted specific guidelines requiring age verification for purchase and possession, and mandates for retailers to adhere to labeling and quality standards.
Sources indicate that while kratom is legal, it is regulated with an 18+ age restriction and requirements for retailers regarding age verification and product quality/labeling. This constitutes a change from an unregulated 'LEGAL' status to a 'RESTRICTED' one.
Missouri has passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), which introduces regulations for kratom sales, including testing and labeling requirements, and in some cities, outright bans exist.
The user listed Missouri as 'Currently LEGAL'. However, multiple sources confirm the passage of a Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) in Missouri. The KCPA regulates the sale and quality of kratom products, including age restrictions, testing requirements, and labeling standards, which constitutes a 'RESTRICTED' status.
Kratom is legal in New Hampshire but is restricted to individuals over the age of 18.
The user listed New Hampshire as 'Currently LEGAL'. However, search results indicate an age restriction of 18 years or older for kratom purchases, which qualifies as a 'RESTRICTED' status.
Kratom is illegal to buy, possess, use, or sell in Rhode Island.
The user listed Rhode Island as 'Currently RESTRICTED'. However, multiple sources explicitly state that kratom is completely banned and illegal in Rhode Island.
While generally legal at the state level, several cities within Washington, notably Seattle, have enacted local bans on the sale of kratom. These municipal restrictions mean that kratom is not uniformly 'LEGAL' across the state, and therefore its status is 'RESTRICTED'. The state is also reviewing a proposal to schedule kratom as a controlled substance.
The existence of clear municipal bans on kratom sales (e.g., Seattle) restricts its legality statewide, thereby changing the status from a blanket 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
Kratom is legal in North Carolina for individuals 18 years of age and above. This statewide age restriction, in place since 2016, means kratom is not universally 'LEGAL' but 'RESTRICTED'. Additionally, there have been recent efforts and proposed legislation (such as House Bill 563 in 2024) aiming to implement further regulations and potentially increase the age limit to 21.
The established statewide age restriction (18+) prevents kratom from being classified as entirely 'LEGAL', thus it falls under 'RESTRICTED'. Ongoing legislative efforts further underscore its regulated nature.
Kratom was temporarily restricted in 2016 but reversed in 2018. As of 2025, it is legal to possess and purchase, but exists within a regulatory framework focused on product oversight and consumer safety, making it a regulated jurisdiction.
Multiple sources confirm that while Kratom was restricted in 2016, this was reversed in 2018, and it is currently legal but regulated in D.C.. The 'regulated' aspect aligns with a 'RESTRICTED' status, rather than 'BANNED' as previously listed.
Kratom is legal in Ohio, but the state enacted the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) in May 2023, placing regulations on its sale and distribution.
The previous status was 'LEGAL'. The enactment of the KCPA in Ohio signifies statewide regulations on Kratom, changing its status to 'RESTRICTED' rather than fully 'LEGAL' as it was previously unregulated.
Vermont outlawed kratom's alkaloids in 2016, classifying it as illegal to buy, sell, possess, or use.
The previous status was 'RESTRICTED'. Multiple sources clearly state that Kratom is illegal in Vermont, having outlawed its alkaloids in 2016. This indicates a stricter status than 'RESTRICTED', changing it to 'BANNED'.
South Carolina transitioned from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED' with the enactment of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (Senate Bill 221), signed by Governor Henry McMaster in May 2025. This law prohibits sales to individuals under 21, mandates products be kept behind the counter, bans adulterated/synthetic products, and requires clear labeling.
Multiple news outlets and legislative tracking confirm the passage and signing of this comprehensive regulatory bill in 2025, which clearly introduces new statewide restrictions where none explicitly existed before.
Texas has moved from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED' due to the adoption of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). This legislation introduces regulations for kratom products, including requirements for purity, labeling, and potentially age restrictions, making it a regulated substance rather than a completely unrestricted one.
A reliable source (legislative analysis) from January 2025 explicitly states Texas adopted KCPA legislation, which represents a clear shift from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED' due to new regulations.
Utah has changed its status from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED' following the passage of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). This act mandates regulations such as requiring retailers to test the substance before selling it, establishing consumer protection measures.
Multiple sources, including legislative overviews, confirm the passage of KCPA, which introduces regulations that directly change the status from unrestricted 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
Virginia moved from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED' with the enactment of Senate Bill 1108 in March 2023. This law prohibits the sale of kratom products to minors (under 21), requires clear labeling of ingredients and health warnings, and bans adulterated products, regulating it under the Virginia Consumer Protection Act.
Multiple reliable sources, including state government information and news articles, confirm the implementation of new regulations through a specific bill in 2023, changing the status from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED'.
West Virginia transitioned from 'LEGAL' to 'RESTRICTED' with the enactment of Senate Bill 220 on March 23, 2023. This legislation regulates the sale of kratom, indicating the adoption of consumer protection measures and moving it from an unregulated legal status to a restricted one.
An official news report from March 2023 confirms the signing of a bill regulating kratom, indicating a change from an unregulated 'LEGAL' status to a 'RESTRICTED' one.