Is Kratom Legal in Kentucky?
Governor Andy Beshear's administration announced plans to classify isolated or concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a byproduct of kratom, as a Schedule I controlled substance, making its sale, possession, and distribution illegal statewide while natural kratom products compliant with existing regulations will remain on shelves.
On November 5, 2025, Governor Andy Beshear announced plans to classify isolated or concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as a Schedule I controlled substance. This action, currently in the process of updating regulations by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, means isolated or concentrated 7-OH will be illegal, while natural kratom products (compliant with the 2% 7-OH limit from 2024's HB293) will remain regulated. This moves the state from a general 'PENDING' status for all kratom to a 'RESTRICTED' status where some forms are specifically banned but others are legal under regulation.
Update History
Apr 29, 2026Kentucky Kratom Legal Status Update
Kentucky — Administrative regulation under KRS Chapter 218A: On November 5, 2025, Governor Andy Beshear announced plans to classify isolated or concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as a Schedule I controlled substance. This action, currently in the process of updating regulations by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, means isolated or concentrated 7-OH will be illegal, while natural kratom products (compliant with the 2% 7-OH limit from 2024's HB293) will remain regulated. This moves the state from a general 'PENDING' status for all kratom to a 'RESTRICTED' status where some forms are specifically banned but others are legal under regulation.. Status: RESTRICTED.
On November 5, 2025, Governor Andy Beshear announced plans to classify isolated or concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as a Schedule I controlled substance. This action, currently in the process of updating regulations by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services, means isolated or concentrated 7-OH will be illegal, while natural kratom products (compliant with the 2% 7-OH limit from 2024's HB293) will remain regulated. This moves the state from a general 'PENDING' status for all kratom to a 'RESTRICTED' status where some forms are specifically banned but others are legal under regulation.
Sources: Link 1
Apr 9, 2026Kentucky Kratom Legal Status Update
Ban language affecting kratom was inserted into House Bill 757 on April 1, 2026, and sent to Governor Andy Beshear for consideration. If signed, this bill would repeal the existing Kentucky Kratom Consumer Protection Act and prohibit the sale and distribution of kratom statewide.
The database status is 'RESTRICTED'. On April 1, 2026, ban language was controversially added to HB 757 and the bill was sent to the Governor. This proposed action, if signed, would repeal the existing KCPA and institute an outright statewide ban on kratom. This is a very recent and significant legislative action (within 180 days) that shifts the status from 'RESTRICTED' to 'PENDING' a full 'BANNED' outcome.
Sources: Link 1
Feb 28, 2026Kentucky Kratom Legal Status Update
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced plans to classify isolated or concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a component of kratom, as a Schedule I controlled substance. This action will make isolated/concentrated 7-OH illegal statewide.
The state's status was 'PENDING'. While a Kratom Consumer Protection Act (HB 293) was enacted in 2024, placing regulations on kratom, this recent executive action by Governor Beshear, announced on November 5, 2025, constitutes a new and significant restriction within the last 180 days. The Cabinet for Health and Family Services is in the process of updating regulations to classify isolated and concentrated forms of 7-OH as Schedule I substances. Once finalized, this will make isolated or concentrated 7-OH illegal statewide, allowing only natural kratom products compliant with the state's 2% 7-OH limit to remain on shelves.
Sources: Link 1