Kansas Governor Laura Kelly Signs Bipartisan Bill Designating 7-OH Kratom as Schedule I Substance

Why it matters

Kansas is now the latest state to make 7-OH kratom products illegal under the same classification as heroin, effective July 1, 2026. The bipartisan bill was signed by a Democratic governor in a Republican-majority state, signaling broad political agreement that synthetic 7-OH poses unacceptable public health risks.

The big picture

Kansas joins a growing wave of states — including Ohio, Connecticut, Tennessee, and Kentucky — that have moved to restrict or ban 7-OH products. Governor Kelly cited the FDA's ongoing review as justification for the precautionary ban, a rationale that mirrors arguments being made in other statehouses. The law applies to 7-OH and related kratom substances, while placing other novel drugs including synthetic cannabinoids and synthetic opioids on Schedule I simultaneously.

Key findings

• Gov. Kelly signed House Bill 2365, designating 7-OH kratom products as Schedule I under the Kansas Uniform Controlled Substances Act
• Schedule I designation means products are classified as having high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use — the same category as heroin
• Kelly cited the pending FDA scientific review as the basis for the precautionary scheduling
• The law also adds 11 opioids, fentanyl-related substances, ethylphenidate, and synthetic cannabinoids to Schedule I
• Zuranolone — an FDA-approved postpartum depression medication — was added to Schedule IV in the same bill
• Ban is effective July 1, 2026

What they say

"Until such a time as quality scientific reviews determine positive impacts and minimal health risks, it is wise to safeguard the health of Kansans." — Governor Laura Kelly

Bottom line

Kansas officially designated 7-OH kratom as a Schedule I substance effective July 1, joining a growing list of states that have classified the synthetic kratom derivative on par with heroin.