1.3.2026 KRATOM UPDATES: 2026 THE COMEBACK OF SAFE KRATOM

As we look ahead to 2026 it needs to be the Year of the Comeback

2025 was one of the most difficult and confounding years for kratom consumer protection, marked by regulatory chaos, misinformation, and aggressive actions that threatened safe access across multiple states. Reversing this negative momentum will take resources, persistence, and a strong, unified voice. The American Kratom Association (AKA) is committed to restoring clarity, advancing science-based policy, and protecting consumers, but we can’t do it without you. Together, we can turn the page, push back against fear-driven policy, and make 2026 the year kratom consumers fight back and win.

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Ohio Update: What the Board of Pharmacy Action Means for Kratom Consumers

The Ohio Board of Pharmacy has issued an emergency action targeting 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and synthetic kratom-derived products (read here), making those products illegal in Ohio. It is important for advocates to understand that this emergency action is not aimed at traditional, mitragynine-based kratom leaf products, and it does not immediately make natural kratom illegal for Ohio consumers.

However, the language in the final order lacks the precision needed to make the difference between natural kratom leaf product and extracts using FDA approved food grade solvents all contain trace amounts of 7-OH. The Governor’s office added language to the order in an attempt to clarify, but additional clarifying language is needed.

It is progress that the Board and the Governor have now formally acknowledged the immense differences between natural kratom products and high-potency 7-OH synthetic products, a distinction the AKA has been advocating for since action intended to ban all kratom products earlier in 2025. The AKA supports the removal of synthetic and 7-OH products from the marketplace and recognizes this action as an important step toward separating unsafe synthetics from kratom products.

That said, the Ohio Board of Pharmacy and the Governor’s office are NOT friendly toward safe kratom overall, and the Governor and Board has signaled its intent to pursue scheduling of kratom in Ohio. This means Ohio remains a high-risk state, and continued advocacy is critical.

Also anticipated, turbulence in enforcement, particularly for vendors and retailers, as law enforcement and regulators may initially struggle to distinguish compliant kratom products from illegal 7-OH products. The AKA is closely monitoring these developments and working to protect responsible businesses and consumers from misclassification and overreach.

Looking ahead, 2026 will be a crucial year for kratom consumers in Ohio. The AKA remains fully committed to pursuing Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) legislation in Ohio to ensure consumer safety, product standards, and long-term legal stability for natural kratom.

Advocates should stay engaged, informed, and ready to act. Ohio is at a pivotal moment for the future of safe kratom.

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Kansas City MO RECAP: 

Kansas City scheduled discussion on Ordinance 251028 to ban kratom was postponed.

According to staff, the City received a high volume of interest from the public (woohoo! go team!) far more than they anticipated, and they want additional time to review options, consider possible substitute language, and ensure they have the capacity to hear testimony.

 With an already packed agenda, they realized they would not have time to hear from everyone who planned to speak.

This delay is a direct result of your engagement, your outreach, and your willingness to stand up for kratom consumers. Thank you to every advocate who emailed, called, or planned to attend.

Please share this update with any Kansas City advocates who may have been planning to join the meeting.

Updates will come as soon as a new date is confirmed.

Thank you to you, ETHA family, for your strong advocacy and continued commitment!!!