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State Guide Updated On July 2026

Is Kratom Legal in My State?

A clear, educational state-by-state overview of U.S. kratom legality.

Key Takeaway

Kratom is legal at the U.S. federal level but regulated state-by-state. Multiple states ban it outright, others use KCPA-style rules, and city or county limits can still apply in otherwise-legal states. Always verify current law before purchase, travel, or shipping.

Quick status map

Tap a state to see its summary. Use Read more for extra context. Filter by status with the chips above the atlas.

AL AK AZ AR CA CO CT DE FL GA HI ID IL IN IA KS KY LA ME MD MA MI MN MS MO MT NE NV NH NJ NM NY NC ND OH OK OR PA RI SC SD TN TX UT VT VA WA WV WI WY DC

Which U.S. states have banned kratom?

As of 2026, kratom is banned in multiple U.S. states, and California has a de facto commercial ban via administrative action. Possession, sale, and/or distribution is illegal in these jurisdictions. Always re-check primary sources before travel or purchase.

  1. Alabama

    Banned

    Schedule I since 2016. Possession is illegal.

  2. Arkansas

    Banned

    Controlled substance since 2015.

  3. California

    Banned

    De facto commercial ban via CDPH action (Oct 2025).

  4. Connecticut

    Banned

    Schedule I since March 2026.

  5. Indiana

    Banned

    Primary alkaloids banned as synthetic drugs (2014).

  6. Kansas

    Banned

    Statewide ban in effect as of July 1, 2026.

  7. Louisiana

    Banned

    Statewide ban effective August 2025.

  8. North Dakota

    Banned

    No statewide restrictions.

  9. Tennessee

    Banned

    Statewide ban in effect as of July 1, 2026.

  10. Vermont

    Banned

    Regulated drug list since 2016.

  11. Wisconsin

    Banned

    Schedule I since 2014.

Which states restrict 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) in 2026?

7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is a minor kratom alkaloid that is not federally scheduled, but a growing number of states regulate concentrated or synthetic 7-OH products separately from natural leaf. Rules change quickly and often differ from leaf/powder rules.
  • Ohio — synthetic/isolated 7-OH concentrate products restricted; natural leaf remains legal under the state’s KCPA.
  • Rhode Island — synthetic 7-OH prohibited under the state’s kratom consumer framework.
  • Full-ban states — statewide kratom bans typically cover leaf products and 7-OH together (for example Kansas, Tennessee, Connecticut, Louisiana, and other banned states).
  • California — kratom and 7-OH products face a de facto commercial ban via CDPH action.
  • KCPA states — most prohibit adulteration with synthetic alkaloids, which restricts added or isolated 7-OH.
Verify your state’s current status before buying concentrated extracts, shots, tinctures, or tablets.

What is the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA)?

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act is model legislation used to regulate the kratom industry at the state level. Rather than banning kratom, the KCPA creates a framework for safer, legal commerce — typically covering quality, labeling, age limits, and penalties for adulterated products. Key provisions often include:
  • Prohibiting adulterated or contaminated products
  • Requiring accurate product labeling (often including alkaloid information)
  • Setting age restrictions (typically 18+ or 21+)
  • Banning synthetic alkaloid additives
  • Establishing penalties for vendors who violate standards
States with Legal + KCPA status in this guide include Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nevada, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia — exact statutes still differ, so always read your state’s rules.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is kratom legal federally in the U.S.?

Yes. Kratom is not federally scheduled. The DEA considered emergency scheduling in 2016 and withdrew the proposal. State and local rules still control what you can buy, possess, or ship.

Which states have banned kratom?

See the “Which U.S. states have banned kratom?” section above, or use the Banned filter on the status map. California may appear as banned because of a de facto commercial ban.

What does Legal + KCPA mean?

Kratom is legal and the state has passed a Kratom Consumer Protection Act-style framework for regulated sales — usually covering age limits, labeling, and product standards.

Can I travel with kratom?

Only where it is legal. Check departure, destination, and any states you pass through. International rules are separate and can be stricter.

Can city or county rules differ?

Yes. Local bans or restrictions can exist in otherwise-legal states. Always check local ordinances too.

Can kratom become illegal in my state?

Yes. Bills to ban, restrict, or regulate kratom appear regularly. Ban reversals are rarer but possible. Re-check this guide and primary legal sources before major purchases or travel.

References

  1. U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration. Withdrawal of notice of intent to temporarily place mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine into Schedule I. Federal Register. 2016;81(198):70652–70654. DEA Docket No. DEA-442. Federal Register
  2. Ellis MS, Buttram ME, Forber A, et al. Associations between kratom-related state policy environments and kratom use in a nationally representative population in the United States. Journal of Psychoactive Drugs. 2024;56(3):333–341. PubMed 37306164
  3. Swogger MT, Smith KE, Garcia-Romeu A, et al. Current perspectives on the impact of Kratom use. Substance Abuse and Rehabilitation. 2022;13:25–31. PubMed 35308216
  4. Prozialeck WC, Fowler AK, Edwards JR. Public health implications and possible sources of lead (Pb) as a contaminant of poorly regulated kratom products in the United States. Toxics. 2022;10(7):398. PubMed 35878303
  5. Henningfield JE, Grundmann O, Huestis MA, et al. Kratom safety and toxicology in the public health context: research needs to better inform regulation. Frontiers in Pharmacology. 2024;15:1403140. PubMed 38887550
  6. Hill K, Gibson S, Grundmann O, et al. Evaluating health information provided to kratom consumers by good manufacturing practice-qualified vendors. Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy. 2023;18(1):21. PubMed 37041624
  7. World Health Organization Expert Committee on Drug Dependence. 44th ECDD critical review report: kratom (Mitragyna speciosa), mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Geneva: WHO; 2021. WHO ECDD 44

Educational notice

This page is for educational purposes only and is not legal advice. Laws change and may vary by city or county. Confirm current state and local rules before buying, traveling with, or shipping kratom products.

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