Is Kratom Legal in Rhode Island?
The Rhode Island Kratom Act became effective on April 1, 2026, establishing a regulatory framework for kratom. It prohibits sales to individuals under 21, requires products to be behind sales counters, bans 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products, and mandates licensing for distributors and retailers.
The 'Rhode Island Kratom Act' (HB 5565/SB 792) came into effect on April 1, 2026. This legislation makes Rhode Island the first state to overturn a former Schedule I ban (enacted in 2017) and instead regulate kratom. The law requires kratom products to be kept behind sales counters, prohibits sales to anyone under 21, and does not allow the sale of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products. It also establishes a licensing system for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers, and imposes a 15% tax on wholesale kratom sales.
Update History
Apr 16, 2026Rhode Island Kratom Legal Status Update
Rhode Island — HB 5565 / SB 792 (The Rhode Island Kratom Act): The 'Rhode Island Kratom Act' (HB 5565/SB 792) came into effect on April 1, 2026. This legislation makes Rhode Island the first state to overturn a former Schedule I ban (enacted in 2017) and instead regulate kratom. The law requires kratom products to be kept behind sales counters, prohibits sales to anyone under 21, and does not allow the sale of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products. It also establishes a licensing system for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers, and imposes a 15% tax on wholesale kratom sales.. Status: RESTRICTED.
The 'Rhode Island Kratom Act' (HB 5565/SB 792) came into effect on April 1, 2026. This legislation makes Rhode Island the first state to overturn a former Schedule I ban (enacted in 2017) and instead regulate kratom. The law requires kratom products to be kept behind sales counters, prohibits sales to anyone under 21, and does not allow the sale of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products. It also establishes a licensing system for manufacturers, importers, distributors, and retailers, and imposes a 15% tax on wholesale kratom sales.
Sources: Link 1
Apr 3, 2026Rhode Island Kratom Legal Status Update
Rhode Island — RI General Law § 21-28.12; HB 5565 (2025 legislative session): Prior to April 1, 2026, kratom's primary alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, were classified as Schedule I controlled substances in Rhode Island, effectively banning the substance. The Rhode Island Kratom Act (RI General Law § 21-28.12), passed in 2025, reverses this ban. The law, which became effective on April 1, 2026, allows for the sale and manufacture of kratom products, establishes a minimum age of 21 for purchasers, and mandates specific labeling and packaging standards. The Rhode Island Department of Health's Center for Food Protection is tasked with overseeing and enforcing these new requirements. Legislation has also been recently introduced (2026-H 7518, filed March 19, 2026) to require kratom products to be kept in locked cases behind sales counters, reflecting ongoing legislative consideration as the new regulations take effect.. Status: LEGAL.
Prior to April 1, 2026, kratom's primary alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, were classified as Schedule I controlled substances in Rhode Island, effectively banning the substance. The Rhode Island Kratom Act (RI General Law § 21-28.12), passed in 2025, reverses this ban. The law, which became effective on April 1, 2026, allows for the sale and manufacture of kratom products, establishes a minimum age of 21 for purchasers, and mandates specific labeling and packaging standards. The Rhode Island Department of Health's Center for Food Protection is tasked with overseeing and enforcing these new requirements. Legislation has also been recently introduced (2026-H 7518, filed March 19, 2026) to require kratom products to be kept in locked cases behind sales counters, reflecting ongoing legislative consideration as the new regulations take effect.
Sources: Link 1
Mar 9, 2026Rhode Island Kratom Legal Status Update
From Kratom Ban Legislation Search: proposed status change to BANNED. Total ban; new regulatory act effective April 1, 2026
Source: Kratom Ban Legislation Search Total ban; new regulatory act effective April 1, 2026