North Dakota Governor Declares Public Health Emergency, Bans All Kratom Statewide

Why it matters

North Dakota's sweeping executive ban on all kratom—not just concentrated 7-OH—goes further than most state actions and sets a precedent as federal scheduling of 7-OH takes effect. The governor also called a special legislative session for September to encode the ban into state law.

The big picture

North Dakota joins roughly 10 states that have banned kratom outright. Gov. Kelly Armstrong acted days before the DEA's August 5 deadline for its 7-OH temporary scheduling order, framing the move as a public health emergency after 50 reported deaths linked to kratom products since 2019. The ban covers all kratom forms, not only synthetic extracts.

Key findings

• Executive order effective August 5 bans sale, use, and possession of all kratom and kratom products in North Dakota
• North Dakota Board of Pharmacy separately classified 7-OH as a Schedule I controlled substance via emergency rule
• Gov. Armstrong called a special legislative session for September 2 to make the prohibition permanent in state law
• Since 2019, North Dakota recorded 50 deaths associated with kratom, 7-OH, and related derivatives; 23 listed the substances as a primary cause
• Kentucky's kratom ban is separately scheduled to take effect January 1, 2027, signaling continued state-level momentum

What they say

"North Dakotans are overdosing and dying from a product you can buy off the shelf in a convenience store without any regulations or age requirement," Gov. Armstrong said. "We have a responsibility to our citizens and young people to educate them on the risks of these substances and limit access to protect their well-being."

Bottom line

North Dakota's full statewide ban on all kratom—backed by a public health emergency declaration and a special legislative session—is one of the most aggressive state-level kratom restrictions enacted to date.