Kratom Legal Status by State: The 2026 Landscape
The patchwork of state and county-level bans keeps shifting. Here's the current map of where kratom and mitragynine products are restricted, and what to watch in pending legislation.
Field Desk
MGM Alkz
The legal status of kratom and mitragynine products in the United States remains a patchwork — federal permissibility with state and local restrictions that vary widely. As of early 2026, here's the current landscape.
State-Level Restrictions
Several states have enacted restrictions or outright bans on kratom and/or mitragynine:
- Alabama: Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine listed as Schedule I controlled substances.
- Arkansas: Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) classified as a Schedule VI controlled substance.
- Indiana: Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine listed as Schedule I synthetic drugs.
- Rhode Island: Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are Schedule I controlled substances.
- Vermont: Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine regulated under the Regulated Drug Act.
- Wisconsin: Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are Schedule I controlled substances.
County and City-Level Restrictions
Even in states without blanket bans, some municipalities have enacted local restrictions. San Diego County (CA) and Sarasota County (FL) are notable examples. Local ordinances can change faster than state law — always verify the current status for your specific jurisdiction.
Federal Status
At the federal level, kratom is not scheduled under the Controlled Substances Act. The DEA has evaluated it on multiple occasions but has not moved to schedule it. FDA has taken a critical regulatory posture, issuing import alerts and pursuing enforcement actions against specific products, but mitragynine itself is not a federally scheduled substance.
The Consumer Protection Framework
Several states have adopted or are considering the American Kratom Association's Kratom Consumer Protection Act — a regulatory framework that focuses on labeling, age restrictions, and adulterant testing rather than prohibition. This represents the emerging mainstream regulatory approach.
This information is provided for general awareness. Laws change — verify the current status for your jurisdiction before ordering.
