Important: The Kraken is not an attorney, and the information in this post does not, and is not intended to, constitute legal advice. The content of this post is for general informational purposes only, and it may not include the most up-to-date legal or other information. Kraken Kratom hopes that you verify information through your own research and that you consult federal, state, and local laws and regulations for more information about Kratom’s legal status.
The kratom legal landscape has shifted faster in the past year than at any point in its history. New bans, the first-ever ban reversal, a wave of 7-OH actions, and a stack of pending bills have all landed in 2025 and 2026. We built this guide as a single page you can bookmark and return to: an interactive map, a searchable state table, a timeline of what changed, and the context behind it.
Interactive Legal Status Map
Hover, tap, or use your keyboard to focus any state and see its current status and recent developments. Use the filter buttons to highlight a single category.
Legal & Regulated (KCPA)Legal (No Specific Law)Restricted / PartialBannedPending Major Legislation
📍 Hover, tap, or focus a state to see its kratom legal status and recent developments.
What Changed in 2025–2026: A Timeline
A quick look at the most consequential developments of the past year. Green marks wins for kratom access, red marks new bans or restrictions, and orange marks mixed or pending action.
March 2025
Mississippi Passes HB1077 (KCPA)
Mississippi adopted the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, setting a 21+ age requirement and banning synthetic 7-OH concentrates while keeping natural kratom accessible to adults.
May 2025
South Carolina Signs KCPA Into Law
South Carolina’s KCPA took effect, requiring locked display cases and setting limits on synthetic alkaloid content — a model for responsible regulation.
June 2025
Connecticut Signs HB6855
Connecticut designated kratom and its derivatives, including 7-OH, as Schedule I substances. Enforcement began in February 2026.
July 2025
Rhode Island Reverses Its Ban 🎉
In a historic first, Rhode Island passed legislation to reverse its kratom ban and move to a regulated framework — the first state ever to reverse a kratom prohibition.
July 2025
HHS Issues 7-OH Scheduling Recommendation
Federal health officials recommended scheduling synthetic 7-hydroxymitragynine. This targets synthetic derivatives — not natural kratom leaf — and the DEA has not finalized a rule, but it accelerated state-level action on 7-OH products.
August 2025
Louisiana Ban Takes Effect
Louisiana’s SB 154 went into effect, making it the 6th state to fully prohibit kratom, with penalties up to 5 years. Kraken Kratom can no longer ship to Louisiana.
December 2025
Ohio Issues Emergency Kratom Rule
Ohio’s Board of Pharmacy issued an emergency rule banning most kratom products except those composed solely of pure mitragynine.
March 2026
Spokane, WA Enacts City-Level Ban
Spokane enacted a local ban on kratom sales — a reminder that even in legal states, local jurisdictions can impose their own restrictions.
April 1, 2026
Rhode Island’s Regulated Framework Goes Live
The Rhode Island Kratom Act took effect, formally moving the state from prohibition to a KCPA-style regulated market for adults 21+.
April 2026
Tennessee Bans Kratom — 8th State
Gov. Bill Lee signed “Matthew Davenport’s Law” (HB1649), a full ban covering natural leaf, powder, capsules, and extracts. It takes effect July 1, 2026, making Tennessee the 8th state to fully ban kratom.
By the Numbers: 2026 Snapshot
17States with KCPA or similar regulation
18States legal with no specific law
8States with full bans (plus D.C.)
3States with partial restrictions
4+States with major pending bills
What’s Happening with 7-OH?
One of the biggest stories of 2025–2026 was the wave of action around 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a concentrated kratom derivative. Here’s the key context:
✅ Federal status: Natural kratom remains unscheduled and legal at the federal level as of 2026. The HHS scheduling recommendation specifically targets synthetic 7-OH — not natural kratom leaf or traditional kratom products — and the DEA has not finalized a federal rule.
Kraken Kratom has never sold or supported synthetic 7-OH products. The distinction between natural kratom and synthetic derivatives matters, and we support sensible regulation that protects consumers while preserving access to natural, lab-tested kratom. States that have independently restricted or banned 7-OH products include Louisiana, Connecticut, Mississippi, Colorado, Florida, Ohio, Tennessee, and South Carolina — though in several of these, natural kratom’s status differs from the synthetic-7-OH rules.
Why Advocacy Matters More Than Ever
If the timeline makes one thing clear, it’s that nothing is settled. States are moving in both directions — some passing protections (Mississippi, South Carolina, Rhode Island) while others advance bans (Connecticut, Tennessee, Michigan). The outcome often depends on whether informed voices show up.
💬 Contact your reps. A personal call or email from a constituent makes a real difference, especially while bills are in committee. 📜 Support the KCPA. The Kratom Consumer Protection Act creates a responsible framework: age limits, lab-testing requirements, and labeling standards — the opposite of an unregulated free-for-all. 🤝 Join the AKA. The American Kratom Association coordinates advocacy nationwide, tracks bills, and mobilizes supporters.
We’ll update this guide as new legislation passes and the landscape evolves. Bookmark it and check back so you never miss a change in your state. Questions about a specific area? Visit the Kraken Kratom blog for the latest updates.
⚠️ Reminder: This article is updated periodically but may not reflect the very latest change in every jurisdiction. Always check your state and local laws before purchasing. This is not legal advice. Kraken Kratom products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease and have not been evaluated by the FDA. You must be 21 or older to purchase.
