Minnesota Governor Walz Signs Law Raising Kratom Purchase Age to 21, Effective August 2026

Why it matters

Minnesota joined a growing list of states raising the minimum kratom purchase age to 21, reinforcing a national trend toward stricter age restrictions on kratom as regulators seek to protect developing brains while stopping short of full prohibition.

The big picture

Several states that enacted Kratom Consumer Protection Acts originally set the purchase age at 18, but many are now revising upward to 21 to align with alcohol and tobacco age limits. Minnesota had previously required only 18 years of age to purchase kratom under HF 3453. The change aligns with recommendations from consumer advocacy groups like the 7-HOPE Alliance, which advocates for a national standard of 21. Violations now constitute a gross misdemeanor in Minnesota, reflecting the seriousness with which lawmakers treat underage access to kratom's opioid-like compounds.

Key findings

• Gov. Tim Walz signed HF 3453 on May 5, 2026; law takes effect August 1, 2026
• Raises minimum legal purchase age for kratom from 18 to 21 years of age
• Applies to any amount of kratom or substances containing mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine
• Violations of the age requirement constitute a gross misdemeanor under Minnesota law
• The 7-HOPE Alliance advocacy group supported the age increase and advocates for a national 21+ standard
• The law focuses on consumer protection through age-gating and does not ban kratom outright

What they say

"The conversation should not be about prohibition... It should be about how we implement responsible safeguards for the kratom plant and all its alkaloids." — Jackie Subeck, Executive Director, 7-HOPE Alliance

Bottom line

Minnesota's new law raises the kratom purchase age to 21 and makes violations a gross misdemeanor, joining a growing national movement to protect minors from the opioid-like effects of kratom alkaloids while keeping the plant legal for adults.