Minnesota Legislature Raises Kratom Purchase Age to 21; Bill Heads to Governor

Why it matters

Minnesota's near-unanimous legislative action brings kratom in line with cannabis and alcohol for age-of-access rules, establishing a regulatory model other states could adopt as they weigh outright bans versus consumer-protection frameworks.

The big picture

At least seven states have already banned kratom outright, while others are exploring regulatory alternatives. Minnesota chose a consumer-protection approach—raising the purchase age to 21 rather than criminalizing the substance. The legislation aligns with the American Kratom Association's model consumer protection act and may influence how similar debates unfold nationally.

Key findings

• The Minnesota House passed the bill on a near-unanimous vote on April 21, 2026, raising the kratom purchase age from 18 to 21.
• The Minnesota Senate followed on April 23, 2026, passing the bill 56–10.
• The legislation now heads to Gov. Tim Walz for his signature.
• Kratom remains legal for adults 21 and older—it is not being scheduled as a controlled substance.
• A separate bill that would have classified kratom as a Schedule II substance requiring a prescription did not advance this session.

What they say

"Setting an age requirement of 21 is a responsible step to ensure minors aren't exposed to substances that can cause real harm, and puts kratom in line with alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis," said State Sen. Alice Mann, an emergency room physician who authored the Senate version of the bill.

Bottom line

Minnesota's kratom age-21 law represents a middle path between prohibition and no regulation, potentially serving as a national model for states weighing similar approaches.