Nassau County Unanimously Bans Kratom Products, Targeting 7-OH Sold at Gas Stations and Smoke Shops

Why it matters

Nassau County's unanimous kratom ban shows how local governments are moving faster than state and federal regulators to restrict kratom products, particularly concentrated 7-OH formulations increasingly linked to addiction among young people.

The big picture

The debate over kratom regulation is intensifying at every level of government. In July 2025, the FDA recommended banning synthetic 7-OH kratom, and New York State passed age-21 restrictions in December 2025. Nassau County's new law goes further, banning all commercial kratom sales outright — ahead of neighboring Suffolk County, which is expected to follow.

Key findings

• All 19 Nassau County legislators co-sponsored the ban, a rare show of bipartisan unanimity
• The law targets concentrated 7-OH kratom products sold for $6–$13 per ounce at gas stations and smoke shops
• Violators face misdemeanor charges, up to 1 year in jail, and fines up to $1,500 for sales to minors
• Critics argued the ban does not distinguish between natural kratom used by an estimated 23 million Americans and synthetic 7-OH products
• County Health Commissioner Dr. Irina Gelman testified there is no safe level of kratom and cited risks of multi-organ failure

What they say

There is a systemic impact and no safe level of kratom. While 7-OH is more dangerous, let me be crystal clear: neither form is safe. — Dr. Irina Gelman, Nassau County Health Commissioner

Bottom line

Nassau County's unanimous kratom ban — backed by health officials citing addiction and multi-organ risks — signals a wave of local bans spreading across New York ahead of any comprehensive state-level regulation.