Georgia Lawmakers Hear Testimony on Kratom Ban Bill HB968 as DA Labels It 'Gas Station Poison'

Why it matters

Georgia is one of the largest states without a comprehensive kratom law, and this committee hearing signals mounting pressure from law enforcement to impose Schedule I controls — a move that would ban kratom statewide.

The big picture

Georgia House Bill 968 would classify kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance, effectively banning it alongside heroin and other drugs with no accepted medical use. The bill comes as investigators report that 7-OH and pseudoindoxyl products — far more potent than raw kratom leaf — are now widely available at gas stations across the state. Georgia is part of a national wave of legislative activity, with 30 states and D.C. now regulating kratom in some form as of early 2026.

Key findings

• Georgia HB968 would list kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance, banning its sale and possession statewide
• Investigators from the Haralson County Sheriff's Office found 7-OH and pseudoindoxyl products in all 10 of 10 gas stations surveyed
• A Tallapoosa Judicial Circuit DA called kratom "gas station poison" and noted Alabama banned it a decade ago
• Industry representatives argued that natural kratom leaf is safe and that 7-OH is a separate compound distinct from kratom
• The House Judiciary Non-Civil Subcommittee held the bill for further study rather than advancing it

What they say

"There are 37 gas stations in Haralson County, and we've been to 10," said Inv. Ken Johnson of the Haralson County Sheriff's Office and Northwest Georgia Drug Task Force. "All 10 had 7-OH products and pseudoindoxyl."

Bottom line

Georgia lawmakers heard opposing testimony on a kratom ban bill — with law enforcement calling it "gas station poison" and industry representatives arguing natural kratom is safe — ultimately holding it for further study rather than advancing a vote.