States Enacted 13 New Kratom Laws in 2025, With More Restrictions on the Way in 2026

Why it matters

Kratom's legal status is shifting rapidly at the state level. Consumers, retailers, and healthcare providers need to understand the patchwork of new laws — from age restrictions to outright bans — that took effect in 2025 and will shape access going forward.

The big picture

After years of relatively light regulation, kratom is facing increasing legislative scrutiny as states confront the rise of 7-OH products. Over 100 kratom-related bills were introduced in state legislatures during 2024–2025, reflecting a wave of concern about product safety, youth access, and the growing overlap between kratom markets and synthetic opioids.

Key findings

• Over 100 kratom bills were introduced across nearly all 50 states during the 2024–25 legislative session
• 13 kratom bills were enacted across 23 states — a significant acceleration from prior years
• Six states enacted legislation prohibiting kratom sales to adults under 21: South Dakota, Rhode Island, Mississippi, South Carolina, Colorado, and Nebraska
• Louisiana became the 7th state to outright ban kratom possession and distribution
• Rhode Island reversed its prior kratom ban, replacing it with a new regulatory framework set to take effect in 2026
• Several new laws also prohibit "adulterated" kratom mixed with other substances and require labeling and testing standards

What they say

"Kratom state laws tightened, as 13 new bills were enacted and several states prohibited sales to those under 21 or banned kratom outright, while others established new regulatory frameworks," according to Multistate.us policy analysts Kerrie Zabala and Michael Greene.

Bottom line

The state-by-state kratom regulatory landscape fundamentally changed in 2025 — and 2026 is already producing more bills, as legislatures increasingly distinguish between natural kratom and synthetic 7-OH derivatives.