U.S. Coast Guard Bans Kratom and Psilocin Effective Immediately

Why it matters

The Coast Guard's immediate prohibition on kratom use by all service members marks the latest branch of the U.S. military to formally restrict the substance, following the Navy's similar ban in January 2026 and a DoD-wide supplemental listing added Dec. 31, 2025.

The big picture

Kratom remains a federally unscheduled substance legal in 44 states, creating a patchwork where civilians can purchase it freely while active-duty personnel now face administrative or disciplinary action for possession. The Coast Guard order also bans psilocin, the active compound in psilocybin mushrooms, citing combat readiness and national security concerns. The Pentagon has increasingly moved to pre-empt state-level legality by issuing branch-specific orders.

Key findings

• Deputy Commandant Rear Adm. Charles Fosse signed the general order May 12, prohibiting Coast Guard members from ingesting, possessing, or distributing kratom, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
• The ban covers psilocin (active ingredient in hallucinogenic mushrooms) in the same order.
• Kratom testing is not routine for Coast Guard personnel but commands can request it when probable cause exists.
• Violations can result in administrative or disciplinary action; positive psilocin tests can lead to court martial or separation.
• Kratom was added to the DoD prohibited supplement list effective Dec. 31, 2025, after Under Secretary Anthony Tata cited national security concerns.

What they say

"The department must remain vigilant in addressing emerging threats, including those that come from new products and sources," wrote Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Anthony Tata in the September memo that preceded the branch-level bans.

Bottom line

**The U.S. Coast Guard has joined the Navy and DoD in banning kratom for all service members, cementing a federal military prohibition even as the substance remains legal for civilians in most states.**