South Carolina Enacts Kratom Consumer Protection Act, Banning Sales to Under-21 and Synthetic Alkaloids

Why it matters

South Carolina became one of the latest states to pass a Kratom Consumer Protection Act, establishing age restrictions, labeling requirements, and a ban on synthetic kratom alkaloids — providing a consumer-protection regulatory model as an alternative to outright prohibition.

The big picture

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) framework has gained traction at the state level as states choose regulation over prohibition. South Carolina's version sets the purchase age at 21, one of the higher thresholds among state KCPA laws, and explicitly bans fully synthetic mitragynine and 7-OH compounds. The bill passed the Senate 39-0 and the House 114-0, demonstrating rare bipartisan unanimity. The South Carolina Department of Public Health is designated as the primary enforcement body, with civil penalties for violations.

Key findings

• Governor signed S221 on May 12, 2025; the act became effective July 11, 2025 (Act No. 35)
• Prohibits sale of kratom products to anyone under 21 years of age by processors and retailers
• Bans kratom products containing fully synthetic alkaloids, including synthetic mitragynine or 7-hydroxymitragynine, and products with harmful non-kratom ingredients
• Requires labels to disclose ingredient lists, mitragynine and 7-OH content, recommended serving size, servings per container, and a statement that sale to under-21 is prohibited
• Civil penalties: up to $1,000 for first offense, up to $2,000 for subsequent offenses
• Passed the South Carolina Senate 39-0 and the House 114-0, with unanimous bipartisan support

What they say

The bill establishes the South Carolina Department of Public Health as enforcement body, creating a regulatory framework to 'provide for the regulation of the sale of kratom products by retailers and processors and to create penalties for violation.' — South Carolina General Assembly, Act No. 35, 2025

Bottom line

South Carolina's unanimous passage of its Kratom Consumer Protection Act — banning sales to under-21 and barring synthetic alkaloids — demonstrates broad bipartisan support for consumer protection-focused kratom regulation over outright prohibition.