Virginia Governor Signs Law Banning 7-OH and Restricting Kratom Sales Statewide

Why it matters

Virginia's new law banning 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and imposing strict kratom regulations — including mandatory warning labels and age limits — signals a significant state-level step to separate the synthetic compound from natural kratom.

The big picture

Virginia is among the first states to specifically ban synthetic 7-OH while keeping natural kratom legal but regulated. The law follows the FDA's July 2025 recommendation that synthetic 7-OH should be scheduled by the DEA, representing a middle-ground approach between a full kratom ban and no regulation at all.

Key findings

• Governor Abigail Spanberger signed legislation banning 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) in Virginia effective immediately
• Kratom products must now display a mandatory warning label reading 'THIS MAY CAUSE DEPENDENCE AND OPIOID-LIKE WITHDRAWAL'
• Kratom must be sold behind the counter only to buyers aged 21 or older
• The Coleman Institute in Richmond reported 75% of their intake calls in early 2026 were kratom or 7-OH-related
• Legislators hint that further restrictions on natural kratom may come in future sessions, as kratom itself metabolizes to 7-OH in the body

What they say

"Delegate Cole has said many times this is just the beginning," said Dean Francis, an advocate whose son struggled with kratom addiction. "Today was very, very exciting to know that these 7-OH standalone products will be gone, but the reality is kratom itself is converting in the body to 7-OH."

Bottom line

Virginia's new law bans synthetic 7-OH outright and introduces strict kratom regulations — mandatory warning labels, behind-the-counter sales, and a 21+ age requirement — with legislators signaling further action may follow.