The Kratom Regulatory Landscape in 2026

Kratom regulation in the United States continues to evolve rapidly. As of April 2026, the patchwork of state laws governing kratom and its primary active alkaloid, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), has grown more complex than ever. Several states have enacted new bans or concentration limits, while others have moved toward regulated access through consumer protection frameworks.

Whether you are a longtime kratom consumer, a new user, or a vendor trying to stay compliant, understanding the current legal landscape is essential. This guide breaks down every state's position on kratom and 7-OH as of 2026.

States with Full Kratom Bans

As of 2026, eight states have enacted full bans on the sale, possession, or distribution of kratom products. In these states, kratom is classified alongside controlled or prohibited substances, and penalties can include fines and criminal charges.

  • Alabama — Kratom was classified as a Schedule 1 controlled substance in 2014 under SB 226. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are both listed. Possession is a criminal offense.
  • Arkansas — Banned in 2015 under Act 1100, which added mitragynine and 7-OH to the state's Schedule 1 list. Multiple attempts to reverse the ban have failed in committee.
  • Indiana — Kratom alkaloids were added to Indiana's synthetic drug statute in 2014 via HB 1196. The ban covers possession, sale, and distribution.
  • Vermont — Listed as a regulated drug under 18 V.S.A. § 4234a since 2016. Vermont's ban covers both raw kratom leaf and extract products.
  • Wisconsin — Mitragynine and 7-OH are listed under Wisconsin's Schedule 1 analog provisions. The ban has been in effect since 2014.
  • Louisiana — Initially passed a Kratom Consumer Protection Act in 2022, but reversed course in 2024 with HB 304, which imposed a full ban on kratom sales effective January 2025.
  • Connecticut — Enacted SB 378 in late 2025, prohibiting the sale of kratom and kratom-derived products statewide. The law took effect January 1, 2026.
  • California — The most significant new ban of 2026. Governor Newsom announced enforcement of prohibition on kratom products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, with 95% compliance reported by March 2026.

If you live in any of these states, kratom products cannot legally be shipped to you. Compliant vendors will block orders to addresses in banned states. You can check whether your location is eligible on our Regulation Terminal.

States with 7-OH Concentration Limits

A growing number of states have chosen a middle path: rather than banning kratom outright, they regulate the concentration of 7-hydroxymitragynine allowed in consumer products. This approach targets high-potency extracts and synthetic 7-OH while preserving access to traditional kratom products.

Arizona — 2% Cap

Arizona's Kratom Consumer Protection Act, enacted in 2019, requires that kratom products sold in the state contain no more than 2% 7-hydroxymitragynine by weight. Products must be labeled with alkaloid content, and sales to minors under 18 are prohibited.

Colorado — 2% Cap (Daniel Bregger Act)

Colorado passed the Daniel Bregger Kratom Consumer Protection Act in 2025, named after a Colorado resident. The law caps 7-OH concentration at 2%, requires third-party lab testing, mandates product labeling, and prohibits sales to individuals under 21.

Mississippi — 1% Cap

Mississippi imposed a 1% cap on 7-OH concentration via HB 1077. The state also requires age verification (21+) and retail products must be kept behind the counter.

Utah — 0.4% Cap

Utah enforces the strictest concentration limit in the nation at 0.4% 7-OH by weight under SB 45. The law also bans all enhanced or synthesized kratom products effective May 2026.

Ohio — Synthetic Kratom Banned

Ohio has banned synthetic or semi-synthetic kratom alkaloids via Board of Pharmacy rule, effective May 2026. Natural kratom products with naturally occurring alkaloid levels remain legal, but the Board is still considering whether to restrict natural kratom as well.

Rhode Island — 1% Cap (Newly Legalized)

Rhode Island lifted its kratom ban effective April 1, 2026, becoming the first state to reverse a full ban. The new Rhode Island Kratom Act permits kratom sales with a 1% 7-OH concentration limit, mandatory lab testing, age restrictions (21+), and a 15% wholesale tax. Products must be kept behind the counter.

Florida — Emergency Rule on Concentrated 7-OH

Florida Attorney General filed an emergency rule classifying concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine as a Schedule I substance. While traditional kratom leaf remains legal, concentrated or isolated 7-OH products are banned. The 2026 legislative session did not make the ban permanent, and legal challenges are ongoing.

For an always-current breakdown of your state's status, visit our Regulation Terminal.

States Where Kratom Is Fully Legal

The majority of U.S. states have no state-level restrictions on kratom sales or possession. In these states, kratom products can be legally purchased, possessed, and consumed by adults.

However, "legal" does not mean "unregulated." Many of these states defer to local ordinances, which can vary by county or city. Some municipalities have enacted their own restrictions even where the state has not.

States with no statewide kratom restrictions as of April 2026 include Texas, New York, Pennsylvania, Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, Washington, Oregon, Michigan, Illinois, New Jersey, Maryland, Massachusetts, and many others. Always verify your specific city and county regulations before purchasing.

Federal Status: FDA and DEA Positions

FDA

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved kratom for any medical use. The FDA maintains its position that kratom products are unapproved new drugs and has issued multiple import alerts. In 2025, the FDA recommended Schedule I placement of 7-hydroxymitragynine, and increased enforcement against companies making therapeutic claims.

DEA

The Drug Enforcement Administration has not scheduled kratom at the federal level, though it remains on the DEA's "Drugs and Chemicals of Concern" list. A formal scheduling review is pending as of April 2026, with a public comment period expected before any decision. If the DEA moves forward with scheduling, it would override all state laws.

How to Check Your State's Laws

Kratom laws change frequently. We maintain a Regulation Terminal on our website that tracks the current legal status of kratom and 7-OH in every U.S. state, updated as new laws take effect.

If you are unsure about your state's regulations, we recommend:

  • Checking our Regulation Terminal for the latest status
  • Reviewing your state legislature's website for pending bills
  • Contacting your state's department of health or pharmacy board
  • Consulting with a local attorney for specific legal questions

What This Means for Consumers

The growing patchwork of state laws makes it more important than ever to purchase kratom from vendors who actively track compliance and refuse to ship to restricted jurisdictions. A responsible vendor should:

  • Block orders to states where kratom is banned
  • Verify alkaloid concentrations through independent, third-party lab testing
  • Publish certificates of analysis for every product batch
  • Label products accurately with alkaloid content, ingredients, and warnings
  • Never make health or therapeutic claims about kratom products

At Favor'd Alkz, every product we sell is third-party lab tested and comes with published results. You can review our current lab reports on our Lab Results page. Our tablet products include clearly labeled alkaloid content so you know exactly what you are purchasing.

Looking Ahead

Key developments to watch in 2026:

  • The outcome of the DEA scheduling review, which could federally classify kratom
  • California's full enforcement taking effect
  • Florida's emergency rule potentially becoming permanent regulation
  • Several states with pending Kratom Consumer Protection Act bills
  • Continued FDA enforcement actions against companies making therapeutic claims

We will continue to update our Regulation Terminal and publish new articles as significant regulatory changes occur.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Kratom products sold by Favor'd Alkz are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Consult with a qualified attorney regarding the legality of kratom in your specific jurisdiction.

Last updated: April 2026