Recent Kratom Enforcement Actions in the United States

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been leading the push to have kratom banned. Other health agencies, like the Drug Enforcement Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are also in support of the repeated warnings about the dangers of kratom products, especially the concentrated kratom extracts. 

Their input into the safety of kratom has led to some states imposing total bans and restrictions on certain kratom products. Although it remains federally legal in the U.S., you need to check the local laws if you intend to travel with kratom. The recent enforcement actions are signs of what might happen in the future. Tighter laws and bans are eminent and it’s clear that regulators are no longer treating all kratom products the same. 

Most of the recent action is not about traditional kratom powder. It’s about concentrated and synthetic compounds, especially 7-hydroxymitragynine, common refered to as 7-OH. 

Key Takeaways

• Federal agencies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Drug Enforcement Administration, and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are increasing pressure on kratom products
• Kratom remains federally legal, but enforcement actions are shaping stricter state-level laws
• Most crackdowns target concentrated and synthetic products, not traditional kratom leaf
• 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) is the main focus due to its high potency and stronger opioid receptor activity
• The FDA has seized and warned companies over products containing concentrated 7-OH
• States like Florida, Ohio, and California are leading the enforcement against high-potency kratom products
• More states are likely to introduce limits, bans, or stricter rules before the end of 2026
• Brands that sell high-potency extracts face the highest regulatory risk moving forward

Federal Enforcement: Focus on 7-OH and Unsafe Products

At the federal level, the FDA is a key player in kratom regulation. Here is what we know so far about this agency’s position;

• There are no approved kratom drug products in the U.S.
• Some kratom products in the past have been linked to serious health risks, like dependence and liver toxicity. 
• Kratom is not approved as a medicine or safe dietary supplement 

The main kratom enforcement, which has caught the attention of millions of kratom users, is aimed at 7-OH products. In 2025, the FDA seized thousands of products suspected to contain concentrated 7-OH, the most potent alkaloid in kratom. It also went ahead to issue warnings to companies selling these products, stating that kratom cannot be legally added to foods or supplements. 

But why the focus on 7-OH products? Research shows that 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine) is far more potent than mitragynine and other alkaloids found in kratom. It also binds more strongly to opioid receptors than the other alkaloids, thus increasing the risk of addiction and other risks such as sedation. 

The federal regulator believes this specific compound should be classified as a controlled substance. At the time of writing, natural kratom remains in a legal gray area, but there is no doubt that enhanced or synthetic versions are clearly being targeted and might soon be banned. 

Florida Kratom Ban

The Florida kratom ban in August 2025 resulted in one of the most aggressive crackdowns since the FDA raised an alarm about kratom. The emergency ban that was announced by Florida’s Attorney General immediately temporarily restricted the sale of high-potency formulations that exceed 400 ppm of 7-OH. 

This wasn’t a permanent law, though, and it’s set to expire on June 30, 2026, unless replaced by new legislation. Despite pushback from kratom lobby groups, Florida lawmakers are actively working on making this kratom ban permanent. 

Other States Considering Banning High-Potency Kratom Products

Florida is not the only state that has banned concentrated 7-OH products containing more than 400 ppm of this compound.

Ohio

On December 12, 2025, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy passed an emergency rule that made it illegal to sell, possess, or distribute synthetic kratom and 7-OH concentrated products. However, products that contain natural mitragynine are excluded from the ban.

According to state officials and Governor Mike DeWine, these products pose an imminent public health risk after more than 200 fatal overdoses linked to synthetic kratom products were reported between 2019 and 2024. 

California

There is an ongoing strict crackdown on the sale of kratom and its 7-OH derivatives. In early 2026, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) declared these products illegal. Meaning, you cannot sell or manufacture these products in the entire state, and so far, products worth $5 million have been seized.  

What’s Next For Kratom Brands

The rules governing kratom are going to be stricter, and the market will be more controlled. The good news is that regulators are not going after plain leaf as much as they are targeting high-potency extracts, isolated compounds, and other hyped products that blur the line between supplements and drugs. 

Our advice to kratom brands is to expect a stricter focus on lab testing rules, clear labeling, and to make sure your products don’t exceed the safe concentration limits. If possible, stick to the traditional format and avoid pushing the potency too far. You can also come up with 7-oh alternatives that are legal and safe, as the demand is expected to skyrocket once concentrated 7-oh products are banned in more states. 

FAQ

What is kratom and who uses it?

Kratom is a plant from Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain compounds that can produce stimulant effects at lower doses and sedative effects at higher doses. People use it for different reasons, including managing pain, improving focus, or easing opioid withdrawal symptoms.

Where is kratom illegal?

Kratom is not federally banned in the United States, but it is illegal in some states and cities. These include states like Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Some local jurisdictions have their own restrictions as well.

Why is kratom banned in some countries?

Countries that ban kratom usually cite safety concerns. These include the risk of dependence, lack of clinical approval, and reports of adverse effects. Another reason is the lack of consistent regulation and quality control in the market.

Is kratom healthy or unhealthy?

There is no simple answer. Some people report benefits, but health agencies like the FDA warn about risks such as dependence, liver issues, and contamination. Since kratom is not approved as a medicine, its safety profile is still not fully established.

What drugs should you not mix with kratom?

You should avoid mixing kratom with:

• Opioids
• Benzodiazepines
• Alcohol
• Other sedatives or central nervous system depressants
• Stimulants

Combining these substances increases the risk of serious side effects, including breathing problems and overdose.

In what countries is kratom legal?

Kratom is legal in some countries, including the United States (with state-level exceptions), Thailand, and Indonesia. It remains banned or heavily restricted in others, such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and several European countries. Laws can change quickly, so it’s important to check current regulations before buying or traveling.