Alabama Attorney General Cracks Down on Illegal Kratom Products, Issues Statewide Cease and Desist Order

Montgomery, AL – In a significant move impacting the kratom industry, Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall announced a statewide Cease and Desist order on March 25, 2026, targeting businesses possessing or selling products containing mitragynine and/or hydroxymitragynine, commonly known as kratom. This action underscores Alabama's firm stance on kratom, which has been classified as a Schedule I controlled substance under state law (Ala. Code § 20-2-23 (1975)) since 2016.

The Attorney General's office initiated the order following independent laboratory testing by an internationally accredited lab, which confirmed the presence of these illegal substances in various products currently available on store shelves across Alabama. Specific products cited in the order include "Boujee Bliss," "Better Weather," and "Happy Hour," which were reportedly marketed for pain relief and relaxation but failed to disclose their kratom content to consumers.

Attorney General Marshall emphasized that Alabama "will not be a marketplace for dangerous, illegal substances regardless of what they are called or how they are packaged." He issued a clear warning to all retailers to immediately remove such products, stating that non-compliance would lead to severe legal repercussions, including seizure and forfeiture of assets, felony prosecution, and civil liability under the Alabama Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Enforcement efforts are being coordinated with local district attorneys and law enforcement agencies statewide.

Why This Matters to Kratom Merchants and Consumers

For kratom merchants, this order serves as a stark reminder of the varying and often stringent legal landscape surrounding kratom. Businesses operating in or shipping to Alabama must immediately cease all sales and remove any kratom-containing products to avoid significant legal and financial penalties. This development highlights the critical importance of understanding and strictly adhering to state-specific regulations.

Consumers in Alabama are also directly impacted, as they face the risk of unknowingly purchasing and possessing an illegal controlled substance. The Attorney General's office has warned that product labels may not fully disclose all ingredients, potentially exposing purchasers to adverse health events and legal consequences. The public is urged to exercise caution and avoid purchasing any product suspected of containing kratom-derived compounds.

Compliance Implications for High-Risk Merchants

This enforcement action carries significant compliance implications, particularly for high-risk merchants in the kratom and herbal supplement industries.

Rigorous Lab Testing and COAs: The Alabama AG's action was predicated on independent lab testing. For merchants operating in jurisdictions where kratom is legal, this underscores the absolute necessity of obtaining and meticulously verifying Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from internationally accredited, third-party laboratories for every batch of product. These COAs must confirm the absence of prohibited substances in restricted areas and verify the purity and potency for legal markets.
State-Specific Regulatory Awareness: The legal status of kratom is a patchwork across the United States. Merchants must maintain an up-to-date understanding of the law in every state and locality where they operate or distribute. What is permissible in one state may be a felony in another, as demonstrated by Alabama's Schedule I classification.
Transparent and Accurate Labeling: The lack of disclosure regarding kratom content in the targeted products was a key concern. Even in legal markets, transparent and accurate ingredient labeling is non-negotiable. Mislabeling can lead to severe penalties, including deceptive trade practices charges, irrespective of kratom's legal status.
Avoidance of Unsubstantiated Claims: The marketing of the flagged products for "pain relief and relaxation" highlights the ongoing scrutiny of therapeutic or health claims made about kratom. Merchants should exercise extreme caution and consult legal counsel regarding marketing language to avoid regulatory pitfalls.
Robust Due Diligence: High-risk merchants must implement comprehensive due diligence processes with their suppliers to ensure that no prohibited substances are present in products destined for restricted jurisdictions. This includes regular audits and contractual agreements that ensure compliance with all applicable laws.

The Alabama Attorney General's cease and desist order is a critical reminder that regulatory compliance is paramount in the kratom industry. Businesses must proactively manage their product inventory, labeling, and distribution channels to align with the specific legal requirements of each state to avoid severe legal and financial repercussions.

Alabama Attorney General Cracks Down on Illegal Kratom Products, Issues Statewide Cease and Desist Order

Why This Matters to Kratom Merchants and Consumers

Compliance Implications for High-Risk Merchants

This enforcement action carries significant compliance implications, particularly for high-risk merchants in the kratom and herbal supplement industries.

Rigorous Lab Testing and COAs: The Alabama AG's action was predicated on independent lab testing. For merchants operating in jurisdictions where kratom is legal, this underscores the absolute necessity of obtaining and meticulously verifying Certificates of Analysis (COAs) from internationally accredited, third-party laboratories for every batch of product. These COAs must confirm the absence of prohibited substances in restricted areas and verify the purity and potency for legal markets.

State-Specific Regulatory Awareness: The legal status of kratom is a patchwork across the United States. Merchants must maintain an up-to-date understanding of the law in every state and locality where they operate or distribute. What is permissible in one state may be a felony in another, as demonstrated by Alabama's Schedule I classification.

Transparent and Accurate Labeling: The lack of disclosure regarding kratom content in the targeted products was a key concern. Even in legal markets, transparent and accurate ingredient labeling is non-negotiable. Mislabeling can lead to severe penalties, including deceptive trade practices charges, irrespective of kratom's legal status.

Avoidance of Unsubstantiated Claims: The marketing of the flagged products for "pain relief and relaxation" highlights the ongoing scrutiny of therapeutic or health claims made about kratom. Merchants should exercise extreme caution and consult legal counsel regarding marketing language to avoid regulatory pitfalls.

Robust Due Diligence: High-risk merchants must implement comprehensive due diligence processes with their suppliers to ensure that no prohibited substances are present in products destined for restricted jurisdictions. This includes regular audits and contractual agreements that ensure compliance with all applicable laws.