Across the country we're facing a growing wave of state-level ban proposals, and the American Kratom Association is fully engaged.

The AKA is actively tracking and responding to serious developments in states like Iowa, Georgia, Ohio, Virginia, Utah, South Dakota, and South Carolina, and we are working closely with experienced lobbying teams in each state to stop these bans before they advance.

As hearings are scheduled, the AKA will attend, testify, and immediately call on local advocates to help make the difference. Now is the time for state advocates to contact their legislators and make sure elected officials clearly understand that their constituents are paying attention — and are deeply opposed to efforts to ban kratom. Please read through the following updates and share.

California Reminder

This Wednesday, January 21, Los Angeles County will hold a critical Health and Mental Health Cluster meeting where policy staff will vote on whether to recommend a formal county report on kratom and 7-OH. This recommendation will directly shape what the County Supervisors consider next.

This is a staff-driven meeting, led by senior public health experts (PhDs, MDs, former federal and CA health officials). What is said in public comment matters.

Advocates are urgently needed to share personal kratom testimonials, help staff understand the difference between natural kratom and synthetic 7-OH and support regulation and consumer protection, not criminalization.

Meeting details:

Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026

Time: 11:30 AM–1:30 PM PT

Location: Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration, Room 140

Virtual participation available

Public comment: 2 minutes per speaker

If you can attend or speak, please do. Your voice now can influence the official record and the direction of county policy.

To participate in the meeting in-person, the meeting location is:
Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration
500 West Temple Street
Los Angeles, California 90012
Room 140
To participate in the meeting virtually, please call teleconference number:
1 (323) 776-6996 and enter the following: 330 628 704# 
Members of the Public may address the Health and Mental Health Services Meeting
on any agenda item. Two (2) minutes are allowed for each item.
THIS TELECONFERENCE WILL BE MUTED FOR ALL CALLERS. PLEASE DIAL *6
TO UNMUTE YOUR PHONE WHEN IT IS YOUR TIME TO SPEAK.

Georgia: A dangerous bill in Georgia would ban natural kratom, repeal consumer protections, and turn responsible adults into felons. Lawmakers must hear directly from the people who rely on kratom. See full press release here

How Everyone Can Help

👉 Email Rep. Rick Townsend NOW:
rick.townsend@house.ga.gov

Tell him your story — why you use kratom, how it helps you, and why safe, regulated kratom should be protected, not criminalized.


Take Action Now

📧 Email Rep. Townsend: rick.townsend@house.ga.gov
Your voice matters — and timing is critical.

Thank you for standing up for kratom consumer safety.

The Ohio Board of Pharmacy is accepting public comments on its proposed Mitragynine Rule, and this is a critical opportunity for kratom consumers to be heard.

🗓 Comments are due by close of business on January 28, 2026.

If advocates do not speak up, Ohio can criminalize all kratom.

👉 Submit Your Comment Here

Public Comment Form

Please take a few minutes to share your perspective as a kratom consumer, patient, or advocate. Personal stories and clear statements supporting science-based regulation — not prohibition are especially impactful.

📄 Review the Proposed Rules

You can review the full proposed Mitragynine rules here

January 28 — and share this message with other Ohio advocates who may not yet be aware.

 

Why Advocacy — and Funding — Matter Right Now

Stopping kratom bans requires constant legislative monitoring, legal analysis, lobbyist engagement, and rapid grassroots mobilization. As these bans multiply across states, the cost — and urgency — of defending kratom consumer protection increases.

Your financial support helps the AKA:
Stop criminalization
Respond immediately to new ban filings
Deploy legal and legislative expertise at the state and local level


If you are able, please consider making a contribution today to help fuel this growing fight. Every donation directly supports efforts to keep kratom legal, regulated, and safe for consumers nationwide.

More bans are likely coming. Preparation now is critical.