Albany County, NY Issues Public Health Order Banning Kratom Sale Starting August 24

Why it matters

Albany County's ban takes effect today (August 24), removing kratom from gas stations, convenience stores, and smoke shops. One person in Albany County has already died from a kratom product in 2026 — the immediate trigger for the order. The action shows local governments acting ahead of delayed federal and state regulatory timelines.

The big picture

Albany County joins a growing wave of localities acting independently on kratom while federal DEA scheduling has moved slower than expected. New York State already requires age verification and warning labels on kratom products, and legislation banning synthetic 7-OH passed both chambers in June 2026 but has not yet taken effect. The county order explicitly acknowledges the federal action was pending but not yet finalized as of its signing.

Key findings

• Albany County Department of Health issued a public health order on August 24 banning all kratom product sales and distribution in the county
• One confirmed kratom-linked death in Albany County in 2026 was cited as direct justification
• County Executive Daniel P. McCoy signed the order, calling it a matter of resident safety pending stronger state and federal rules
• New York State law already bans kratom sales to those under 21 and requires warning labels
• New York legislation banning synthetic kratom and high-potency 7-OH products passed both chambers in June 2026 but was still working through finalization
• The order covers all kratom product forms including powders, gummies, tablets, vapes, and shots

What they say

"One death in Albany County is too many, and there is a clear misconception that kratom products are a safe alternative medication," said County Executive Daniel P. McCoy. "Without the proper safeguards in place, we are allowing for an unacceptable level of risk in our communities. I am hopeful that the state and federal governments will help us further rein in this industry."

Bottom line

Albany County's kratom ban goes into effect today — August 24 — making it the latest locality to act ahead of the still-pending DEA federal scheduling order.