Policy · 2026-03-23
Connecticut AG Puts Kratom Industry "On Notice" as Statewide Schedule I Ban Takes Effect March 25
Source: FOX61 (Hartford)
Why it matters
Starting March 25, Connecticut becomes the latest state to fully ban kratom, joining Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin — and the first state to simultaneously ban kratom alongside 7-OH under a single Schedule I designation.
The big picture
Connecticut's legislature passed the classification in February 2026 after years of consumer protection complaints about kratom and tianeptine products being sold legally at gas stations and vape shops. The new Schedule I designation covers seven substances: kratom, 7-OH, bromazolam, flubromazolam, nitazenes, tianeptine, and phenibut. AG William Tong personally mailed letters to all known distributors and held a press conference to announce enforcement would begin immediately on the effective date.
Key findings
- Effective March 25, 2026, kratom becomes Schedule I in Connecticut — meaning possession, manufacture, sale, or distribution is now illegal
- Six other substances are designated alongside kratom: 7-OH, bromazolam, flubromazolam, nitazenes, tianeptine, and phenibut
- AG Tong sent compliance letters to all known distributors and manufacturers in the state
- Businesses must return remaining products to wholesalers or destroy them before March 25
- DCP Commissioner Cafferelli noted none of the substances were ever "regulated, tested, or otherwise deemed safe for human consumption"
- Connecticut DMHAS is providing withdrawal management and rehabilitation resources to affected users
What they say
"As of Wednesday, it will be illegal to possess, manufacture, sell or distribute these drugs, including Kratom and tianeptine, sometimes referred to as gas station heroin. These products are unsafe, untested, and if you see them, do not purchase them and call the police. These companies are on notice — if you sell in Connecticut, we will know, and we will hold you accountable." — AG William Tong
Bottom line
Connecticut's simultaneous Schedule I ban on both kratom and 7-OH — announced by the AG himself — signals that states are moving aggressively even as federal scheduling stalls at the DEA.