North Dakota Kratom Shelves Empty as 30-Day Ban Takes Effect; Special Legislative Session Set for September

Why it matters

North Dakota's emergency kratom ban — covering both natural leaf and synthetic 7-OH products — took effect August 7, leaving store shelves bare and triggering questions about whether permanent legislation will be passed at a special legislative session in September.

The big picture

Governor Kelly Armstrong declared a public health emergency on August 3 and signed an executive order banning all kratom products for 30 days while classifying 7-OH as a Schedule I controlled substance. Poison control calls in the state tripled in 2025, from 7 in 2024 to 22. A special legislative session in September will determine whether the ban becomes permanent law or is replaced by a regulatory framework. Neighboring Minnesota, which simply raised the purchase age to 21, expects to see cross-border traffic from North Dakota.

Key findings

• North Dakota's kratom ban took effect August 7, 2026, clearing store shelves statewide
• ND poison control calls tripled from 7 in 2024 to 22 in 2025
• The emergency order banning all kratom products lasts 30 days; a separate rule scheduling 7-OH as Schedule I is valid for 180 days
• A special legislative session is scheduled for early September to establish permanent kratom policy
• Fargo-area lawmakers disagree on scope: some want to ban only synthetic 7-OH; others support a full ban
• Cross-border purchasing in Moorhead, Minnesota — where kratom remains legal for adults 21+ — is expected to undercut enforcement

What they say

Rep. Austin Foss (D-Fargo) said he has heard from constituents on both sides: "I hear from people that tote the benefits of kratom to PTSD or other mental health issues. But then on the other side, I've had people reach out to me saying really terrible stories, of their son overdosing on kratom and how it is a very addictive drug."

Bottom line

North Dakota's 30-day emergency kratom ban is in effect, but a September legislative session will decide whether prohibition sticks — and lawmakers across party lines remain divided on how to balance public safety with adult access.