Kansas Governor Bans 7-OH Kratom as Schedule I Drug Effective July 1, 2026

Why it matters

Kansas joins multiple states enacting comprehensive kratom bans as medical professionals report increasing addiction and withdrawal cases linked to synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products flooding gas stations and convenience stores.

The big picture

States are moving faster than federal regulators to restrict kratom and 7-OH products. Kansas House Bill 2365 designates 7-OH as Schedule I—the same classification as heroin—reflecting heightened concern among state legislators about synthetic kratom derivatives. Kratom advocates argue the ban sweeps too broadly, affecting the traditional leaf alongside problematic synthetic extracts.

Key findings

• Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed HB 2365 on April 10, banning 7-OH kratom products statewide; Ban takes effect July 1, 2026; violators face criminal penalties for possession, manufacture, delivery or sale; 7-OH classified as Schedule I, placing it alongside heroin and other high-abuse-potential drugs; Medical directors report kratom addiction cases have increased in Kansas over the past year

What they say

It's increased, certainly, probably over the better part of a year - Dr. Gregory Lakin, medical director. Kratom advocates argue the plant itself is harmless but the ban turns people into criminals overnight.

Bottom line

Kansas law treats all kratom products as Schedule I starting July 1, conflating traditional leaf with synthetic 7-OH, a move advocates say ignores the distinction between products.