California Achieves 98% Compliance in Kratom Enforcement, Governor Newsom Reports

Why it matters

California's near-total compliance rate offers a blueprint for rapid state-level enforcement against concentrated kratom and 7-OH products before federal scheduling takes effect. The results show proactive enforcement can remove thousands of dangerous products from shelves within months.

The big picture

California moved aggressively against kratom and 7-OH products months before the federal DEA acted. The state partnered with its Alcoholic Beverage Control agency to educate retailers and conduct thousands of site visits. The DEA's July 1, 2026, notice of intent to temporarily schedule 7-OH validated California's early stance — and other states are now watching the model.

Key findings

• 97.70% of ABC-licensed retail locations statewide are now compliant with California's kratom prohibition
• 6,750 retail site visits were conducted since enforcement began
• 6,960 prohibited kratom and 7-OH products were removed from store shelves
• Only 155 violations were identified, reflecting strong voluntary cooperation from retailers
• California advises consumers that naloxone can reverse 7-OH overdoses, placing it in the same risk category as opioids

What they say

"Kratom and 7-OH products pose a real threat to public health. Glad that the federal government is following our lead to take action against the real risks these goods pose to the public," said Governor Gavin Newsom.

Bottom line

California removed nearly 7,000 kratom and 7-OH products from licensed retailers with a 98% compliance rate — months before federal scheduling began — establishing the nation's most concrete enforcement record.