Kansas Schedules Kratom and 7-OH as Controlled Substances, Ban Effective July 1, 2026

Why it matters

Kansas becomes the latest state to classify kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine as Schedule I controlled substances, meaning hospitals and addiction treatment providers must prepare for a surge in withdrawal cases as patients lose access to substances they may have been using daily.

The big picture

As kratom use has risen across the U.S., states have taken increasingly divergent approaches - some regulating under consumer protection frameworks, others banning outright. Kansas follows Tennessee, Kentucky, and Connecticut in full prohibition. Emergency department visits for kratom and 7-OH overdose and withdrawal in Kansas increased significantly from 2024 to 2025, prompting legislative action.

Key findings

• Kansas Governor Kelly signed HB 2635 and SB 430, designating kratom and 7-OH as Schedule I controlled substances effective July 1, 2026
• Schedule I classification means substances with high abuse potential and no accepted medical use under Kansas law
• Kansas ER visits for kratom and 7-OH overdose and withdrawal rose significantly between 2024 and 2025
• DCCCA substance use disorder treatment providers are developing resources to help providers manage withdrawal after the ban
• The Kansas Hospital Association is alerting members to anticipate increased withdrawal patients once these substances are no longer legally available

What they say

With the ban on these substances effective July 1, 2026, it is anticipated this could result in increased patients experiencing withdrawal from these substances once they are no longer available, or potential overdoses if patients switch to other substances. - Kansas Hospital Association, May 2026

Bottom line

Kansas has banned kratom and 7-OH effective July 1 - healthcare providers should prepare now for increased withdrawal presentations from patients who lose access to these substances.