AMA Bolsters Stance on Kratom, Signaling Heightened Regulatory Scrutiny for Merchants and Consumers

AMA Bolsters Stance on Kratom, Signaling Heightened Regulatory Scrutiny for Merchants and Consumers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

[Date: June 10, 2026] – The American Medical Association (AMA) has significantly strengthened its policy regarding kratom products, introducing a new model bill aimed at guiding state legislative efforts and emphasizing the public health risks associated with unregulated kratom. This move signals a critical juncture for the kratom industry, with profound implications for both merchants and consumers.

What Happened: A Push for Prohibitions and Stricter Controls

The AMA, a leading voice in American medicine, now explicitly considers unregulated kratom and tianeptine as "dangerous substances that represent serious public health concerns." To address these concerns, the AMA unveiled a new model bill in November 2025, designed to support medical societies in their 2026 state legislative sessions. This model legislation provides a framework to generally prohibit the production and sale of kratom products for human use that have not received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Furthermore, the model bill includes provisions for civil penalties for violations and offers legislative examples for states to consider, such as restrictions on possession, distribution, sale, and manufacturing. It also suggests implementing strict labeling and disclosure requirements, including health and safety disclaimers, age restrictions, and establishing allowable levels for active ingredients like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. In some cases, the model even proposes scheduling kratom as a controlled substance. This strengthened policy builds upon the AMA's existing recommendation that kratom's safety and efficacy be determined through rigorous research and clinical trials, followed by evaluation from relevant regulatory entities, before it can be marketed or prescribed.

This policy update follows a recent study published in Addiction (April 2026), which reported a staggering 65-fold increase in kratom exposures reported to U.S. poison centers between 2010 and 2023, accompanied by a rise in severe medical outcomes.

Why This Matters to Kratom Merchants and Consumers

The AMA's enhanced policy carries substantial weight and is likely to intensify regulatory pressure across the nation. For kratom merchants, this translates to a heightened risk of state-level bans or significantly stricter operational requirements. The explicit call for FDA approval for human use suggests a long-term vision where the current market for kratom as a dietary supplement could be eliminated, replaced by a pharmaceutical model. Merchants must prepare for potential legal challenges, increased compliance costs, and a shrinking market if states adopt these recommendations.

For consumers, the AMA's stance could lead to reduced access to kratom products. If states embrace the model bill, consumers might face outright prohibitions, age restrictions, or find that only medically approved (and likely prescription-only) kratom products are available in the future. The public health warnings from such a respected medical authority could also influence public perception, potentially leading to a decline in demand.

Compliance Implications and What High-Risk Merchants Need to Know

The compliance implications are significant and demand immediate attention, especially for high-risk kratom merchants. The AMA's focus on state advocacy means merchants must meticulously monitor legislative developments in every jurisdiction where they conduct business.

1. Mandatory Lab Testing and COAs: Robust, independent third-party lab testing for purity, contaminants (heavy metals, microbes, pesticides), and precise alkaloid content (mitragynine, 7-OH) is no longer merely best practice; it is becoming an essential defensive measure. Merchants must provide transparent and easily accessible Certificates of Analysis (COAs) for every product batch. This documentation is crucial for verifying product safety, building consumer trust, and demonstrating due diligence to regulators and payment processors.
2. Adherence to Regulatory Frameworks: While the AMA's model bill aims for more restrictive measures, merchants operating in states with existing Kratom Consumer Protection Acts (KCPAs) must continue to rigorously adhere to their provisions, which typically include age restrictions, specific labeling, and testing requirements. The AMA's push could lead to even more stringent versions of these laws or outright bans.
3. No Medical Claims: In light of the AMA's position and the call for FDA evaluation, merchants must strictly avoid making any medical claims about kratom products. Emphasize that products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
4. Proactive Risk Mitigation: The "high-risk" designation for kratom businesses will likely intensify. Proactive engagement with payment compliance experts, robust internal compliance protocols, clear consumer disclosures, and a steadfast commitment to product safety and transparency are paramount for navigating this evolving regulatory landscape and safeguarding business operations.