Category: Kratom

Montana lawmakers are exploring ways to regulate kratom before the 2027 legislative session amid growing concern over synthetic versions of the drug. Use of both natural and synthetic kratom products has surged nationwide in recent decades, prompting 18 states to regulate manufacturing and sales and six to classify certain compounds as controlled substances as of April 2025.

Montana has no statewide laws on kratom, a gap members of the Law and Justice Interim Committee highlighted during a Jan. 14 hearing. A 2025 bill to restrict high levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine and bar sales to those under 21 stalled in committee, leaving regulation to local governments such as the Blackfeet Tribal Business Council and Yellowstone County. Lawmakers plan to reconvene in March after studying approaches in other states, including an emergency 180-day ban on synthetic kratom by the Ohio Board of Pharmacy. Read the original report at the Daily Inter Lake.

The American Kratom Association (AKA) has criticized the Ohio Board of Pharmacy for its unanimous decision to classify natural kratom’s key compound, mitragynine, as a controlled substance — a move the group calls “scientifically unjustified.”

In a statement, the AKA expressed deep concern that the Board reached its decision “without a single question” during deliberations, relying on what it described as outdated federal data long rejected by health officials. Both HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary have clarified that enforcement should target synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine products, not natural kratom leaf. The AKA has urged Ohio lawmakers to intervene and reverse the decision, calling it a threat to consumers who use kratom as a safer alternative to opioids.

Read the full statement from the American Kratom Association.

The Berkeley County Coroner’s Office in South Carolina will hold a public forum on Tuesday to discuss kratom, a plant-based substance often used for pain relief and anxiety. The event, hosted in partnership with the Ernest E. Kennedy Center and Wake Up Carolina, aims to give residents a clearer understanding of kratom’s local impact and the latest medical findings surrounding its use.

While some people use kratom to manage pain or opioid withdrawal, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration warns it is not approved as a dietary supplement. The free town hall will include expert-led discussions and community data.

Read more via MSN News.

New York Governor Kathy Hochul has signed two new laws regulating the sale and labeling of kratom, a psychoactive plant-based substance. The legislation bans sales to anyone under 21 and requires warning labels stating possible health risks, including agitation, liver damage, and death. Advertising kratom as “all-natural” is also prohibited.

The new laws follow advocacy from Saratoga County resident Cari Scribner, whose son Nickolas died in 2024 after using the substance. Hochul credited Scribner’s efforts in pushing the legislation forward, calling her a “fierce advocate” for public health.

Violators face fines up to $500 for retailers and $1,000 for manufacturers. The labeling requirements take effect in 2026. Full story available at Saratoga TODAY.

New York State has introduced stricter controls on kratom, an herbal product often marketed as a natural stimulant or pain reliever. Governor Kathy Hochul signed two bills aimed at improving public safety and product transparency. The first measure bans sales of kratom to anyone under 21, with fines up to $500 per offense. The second requires all kratom products to display warning labels outlining addiction risks, possible drug interactions, and a full list of ingredients.

Health officials warn that concentrated forms of kratom, or products adulterated with synthetic compounds, can act like opioids and pose serious health risks. The New York State Department of Health will begin monitoring these substances more closely.

Read the full story at Sun Community News.

Fresno city officials have reversed course on a proposed kratom ban, instead approving an ordinance that permits the sale of natural-leaf kratom to adults while banning concentrated derivatives. Under the new law, taking effect in January 2026, retailers may sell kratom products only to customers aged 21 and over, provided levels of the psychoactive compound 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) remain below 1% of total alkaloids.

Councilmember Nelson Esparza, who introduced the amendment, said the goal was to balance public safety with respect for kratom’s traditional cultural use. Fresno County is considering a similar policy with a 2% 7-OH limit.

Read the full report by Tim Sheehan via KVPR.

DENVER – Colorado’s new Daniel Bregger Act is reshaping the conversation around kratom by tightening safety rules without banning the herbal supplement that many users credit with easing pain and opioid withdrawal. The law caps highly concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine products, restricts sales to adults over 21 and requires clearer labeling, moves designed to steer consumers toward traditional leaf-based kratom and away from risky gas-station style shots.​

Researchers, backed by multimillion-dollar NIH funding, are simultaneously probing kratom’s alkaloids as candidates for safer pain medicines and treatments for opioid dependence. Early work suggests some compounds may relieve pain and withdrawal with less danger of respiratory depression, strengthening calls to regulate, not prohibit, kratom. A fuller exploration of these developments appears in The Conversation’s analysis.

As Los Angeles County health officials move to ban the sale of kratom and synthetic 7-OH, advocates warn that sweeping prohibition may not be the answer. In a recent letter to the editor, Yael Ossowski of the Consumer Choice Center argues that states like Rhode Island have shown a better path—enacting dosage standards, labeling requirements, and age restrictions, rather than criminalizing millions of users. Ossowski highlights that overdose cases linked to kratom and 7-OH often involve multiple substances, making transparent market rules more essential than ever. The letter urges policymakers to focus on safe regulation instead of outright bans, promoting consumer safety and clarity. Read the original letter in the Los Angeles Times for further details.

Governor Andy Beshear has announced a new measure targeting 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a synthetic and concentrated derivative of the kratom plant, by classifying it as a Schedule I narcotic in Kentucky. The move makes it illegal to sell, possess, or distribute any isolated or concentrated forms of 7-OH, a substance with the potential for abuse due to its strong binding to opioid receptors.

Officials emphasized that this action is aimed at protecting public health and sustaining progress in reducing overdose deaths—Kentucky has seen declines for three consecutive years. Importantly, while 7-OH occurs naturally in kratom in small amounts, it is the concentrated, synthetic versions in products like shots, powders, or capsules that are now under scrutiny. The new regulation does not target natural kratom, only these potent derivatives.

For more details, see the original reporting at LEX18.com.

Toledo officials have unanimously approved a local ordinance banning the sale of synthetic kratom products, stepping up efforts to control lab-made versions of the herbal supplement. Council member Sam Melden, who championed the proposal, noted that naturally sourced kratom leaves remain unaffected by the restriction pending further study.

“This measure focuses squarely on synthetic and derivative forms sold in shops across the city,” Melden explained.

The council’s decision aligns with broader discussions at the state level, as Governor Mike DeWine continues to press for tighter kratom oversight across Ohio. Traditional kratom, derived from a Southeast Asian plant, is still legal and commonly used for pain relief, mood support, and managing withdrawal symptoms.

Full article available at MSN News.

Natural leaf kratom should not be conflated with its potent synthetic derivatives, says Dr. C. Michael White, a University of Connecticut pharmacy professor and chair of the Kratom Consumer Advisory Council. In his recent Hartford Courant opinion piece, White stresses that while synthetic opioids derived from kratom’s alkaloids—such as 7-hydroxymitragynine—pose serious addiction risks, natural kratom leaves have a much milder pharmacological profile. The council supports Connecticut’s proposed framework requiring product registration, lab certification, and age restrictions, ensuring consumer safety without restricting access for responsible adult users. White argues that maintaining legal access to natural kratom may offer a safer alternative for those managing chronic pain or opioid dependence, provided appropriate safeguards are in place.

As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration moves to classify 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)—a naturally occurring compound in kratom—as a controlled substance, advocates warn that banning it could harm consumers who rely on the plant for relief. Kratom, used for centuries in Southeast Asia, is valued in the U.S. for its natural ability to boost energy and ease pain. Supporters say responsible use has helped many reduce dependence on traditional opioids. Dr. Michele Ross of the 7-HOPE Alliance says more research, not prohibition, is the answer. “If you’re a chronic pain patient, your pain doesn’t go away just because something becomes illegal,” she said. Many hope regulators will explore kratom’s therapeutic potential before restricting access.
Source: MSN

JACKSON, Tenn. — Community members and local leaders gathered this month to discuss the future of kratom in Jackson. The Jackson City Council, during its September 2 meeting, raised the idea of introducing regulations on the distribution of the plant-based product.

District 73 Representative Chris Todd emphasized the importance of oversight, noting particular concern around underage sales. While Tennessee currently does not regulate kratom, lawmakers say they will continue exploring options to ensure responsible use and distribution.

The discussion reflects a growing national conversation about kratom, which is used by many adults as a natural product while also drawing attention from policymakers.

For the full report, visit WBBJ 7 Eyewitness News.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is recommending federal scheduling for highly concentrated kratom products containing synthetic or enhanced 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a powerful opioid-like compound, following regulatory actions in states like Mississippi. The FDA stresses its proposal does not target natural kratom leaf products, which contain only low levels of 7-OH, but rather focuses on lab-made or fortified products that may contain up to 98% 7-OH.

Mississippi’s new law, HB 1077, bans kratom products with more than 1% 7-OH and restricts sales to those age 21 and over. Advocates argue natural kratom helps people avoid stronger opioids, while critics cite the heightened risk of synthetic products. The debate continues, with more details at the original Northside Sun article and in the FDA’s official press release.

Ohio is currently considering a statewide ban on kratom, but a recent move by the Board of Pharmacy to delay the decision signals recognition of an important distinction: not all kratom products are the same. Governor DeWine’s recommendation would have banned natural kratom leaf alongside newer, more dangerous synthetic derivatives of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), despite much of the harm and risk stemming from these concentrated synthetic substances, not the traditional plant.

Florida and the FDA offer a model for a targeted approach by restricting 7-OH levels and leaving natural kratom leaf available to consumers. Clinical studies show natural leaf kratom has a safer profile compared to the addictive risks of synthetic 7-OH, which is created by chemical extraction and manipulation and linked to opioid-like effects.

Experts advocate for smart regulation, including age restrictions and alkaloid content limits, to keep consumers safe without eliminating natural kratom. For additional information, visit the source at the Canton Repository.

The conversation around kratom in Ohio is shifting, with state officials and community advocates discussing whether to regulate this increasingly popular plant. Used for centuries in Southeast Asia, kratom has found favor among Ohioans for its energizing and calming effects, often chosen as a gentler alternative to pharmaceuticals and alcohol. Michael Young, owner of Sacred Waters Kava Bar, champions the natural form of kratom, noting its role in holistic wellness and social settings. Many believe responsible use offers benefits such as increased alertness and relief from pain and anxiety. While health professionals emphasize the need for further research to establish safe guidelines, there’s growing support for informed regulation over outright prohibition. The aim is to empower consumers while ensuring safety, continuing kratom’s tradition as a natural well-being option. For more details, visit News 5 Cleveland.

The American Kratom Association (AKA) is taking aim at Shaman Botanicals and founder Stephen “Vince” Sanders, accusing them of sidestepping federal law with their synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products. In a statement on August 22, the group argued that 7-OH was marketed illegally from its debut in 2023 because no safety data was ever provided to justify its use.

The AKA emphasized the difference between natural kratom, which has centuries of documented safe use, and 7-OH products synthesized with industrial chemicals. Critics within the association say blaming regulators for scheduling efforts ignores the real problem: manufacturers never proved the products were safe in the first place.

The organization says it will continue working to protect consumers and preserve trust in the natural kratom market.

Full details are available via Reuters.

At a recent Toledo City Council meeting, community members gathered to express their perspectives on the council’s proposal to ban kratom. The discussion highlighted the passionate engagement of local residents, with individuals speaking both for and against the measure. Many supporters of kratom emphasized its positive role for those seeking alternatives for wellness and relief. Their voices illustrated the significance of thoughtful dialogue and community feedback in public policy decisions.

As the city weighs its options, the exchange of ideas demonstrated the values of open debate and respect for diverse viewpoints. Toledo’s consideration of the proposal is part of a broader conversation about personal choice, health, and regulation. For more details on the story, visit The Blade’s coverage of the meeting.