National Governors Association outlines state responses to kratom and 7-OH

Why it matters

The National Governors Association's policy staff described kratom and concentrated 7-OH as active state policy issues during an August 26 discussion with state and territory health advisers. The overview gives policymakers a current map of the approaches being considered, from age limits and labeling rules to restrictions and bans.

The big picture

The NGA placed kratom alongside high-potency cannabis, intoxicating hemp products, and other emerging psychoactive substances whose packaging, potency, and availability can affect youth exposure and dependence risk. Its roundup points to recent actions in Massachusetts, North Dakota, Tennessee, and Utah, showing that states are testing different ways to address botanical kratom and concentrated or synthetic derivatives.

Key findings

• Kratom and 7-OH regulation is becoming an active state policy issue.
• The NGA discussion covered youth exposure, dependency, acute and long-term health concerns, and products sold outside traditional regulatory systems.
• Massachusetts issued an emergency order restricting kratom sales and expanding public education and recovery outreach.
• North Dakota called a special session after declaring a public health emergency; the state later considered a statutory framework for kratom and related derivatives.
• Tennessee and Utah adopted different controls focused on high-potency or extract-derived products.

What they say

The NGA readout, prepared by policy analyst Alex Entner, describes kratom and concentrated kratom-derived products as a growing area of state concern because of their opioid-like effects and potential for addiction.

Bottom line

States are taking different regulatory paths as concerns about concentrated kratom and 7-OH move into mainstream policy discussions.