Minnesota has raised the legal age to possess kratom from 18 to 21, following a bill signed by Governor Tim Walz that takes effect August 1, 2026. The law covers any amount of kratom or products containing the alkaloids mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine, and violations are classified as gross misdemeanors. Kratom, an herbal extract from the Southeast Asian tree Mitragyna speciosa, can act as a stimulant at low doses and a sedative at higher doses, according to the Mayo Clinic. Consumer advocacy group 7-HOPE Alliance welcomed the move and continues to push for a nationwide 21-plus standard, arguing for safeguards rather than prohibition. You can read the original report from Fox 21 Online here.
The latest news on the legalization of controversial botanicals.
