Idaho House Bill 864 Would Make All Kratom a Schedule I Controlled Substance

Why it matters

Unlike earlier Idaho efforts that targeted only synthetic 7-OH kratom, House Bill 864 would ban all forms of kratom statewide by placing every alkaloid derived from Mitragyna speciosa on Schedule I, making possession and sale a criminal offense.

The big picture

Idaho has seen a flurry of kratom-related legislative activity in 2026. An earlier Senate bill (SB1282) targeting only synthetic kratom stalled in the Agriculture Committee after emotional testimony from advocates and patients. HB864 takes a broader approach, targeting natural and synthetic kratom alike. The bill is backed by law enforcement, including the Idaho Police Chiefs Association, which cites increasing kratom-related overdoses. Kratom businesses in the state, including Meridian-based Happy Hippo, are strongly opposed.

Key findings

• House Bill 864 was introduced March 10, 2026 and referred to the House Health and Welfare Committee
• The bill would add all alkaloids derived from Mitragyna speciosa to Idaho Schedule I controlled substances
• Sponsor Rep. Mike Pohonka said the change would allow Idaho State Police to chemically test kratom products if the ban takes effect
• Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea cited rising kratom overdoses in Idaho, including from natural kratom products
• An earlier Senate bill (SB1282) targeting only synthetic 7-OH stalled following emotional testimony; HB864 covers all kratom
• Happy Hippo, an Idaho-based kratom supplier, strongly opposes the bill despite supporting the narrower SB1282

What they say

We have seen an increase in overdoses in the state of Idaho on kratom, and many of which have shown that what was in the system was natural kratom, said Meridian Police Chief Tracy Basterrechea, who worked with lawmakers to advance the bill.

Bottom line

Idaho lawmakers are advancing the broadest possible kratom ban, targeting all forms of the plant rather than just synthetic derivatives, putting thousands of users and several local businesses at legal risk if it passes.