WEEKLY KRATOM UPDATES: 2/16/2026 - 2/20/2026

ARIZONA – Amendment to Make Kratom a Narcotic & Remove the Arizona KCPA

An amendment was just introduced that would make kratom a narcotic and thus remove the Arizona Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) — putting consumer protections and legal access at serious risk.

Arizona advocates must act immediately .Senator Shawna Bolick is dug in on this issue so the AKA is contacted all of the committee again, asking them to oppose the Arizona Amendment on Wednesday the 18th.

👉 Go to: ProtectKratom.org/arizona

Use the Form to contact the whole committee and urge them to OPPOSE any amendment that makes kratom illegal and removes the Arizona KCPA.

Please also:

Share the link with friends and family, Post on social media & Encourage other Arizona consumers to speak up

Arizona worked hard to pass the KCPA. We cannot allow those protections to be rolled back.

Final Reminder: CALIFORNIA – Public Health Concerns & Regulatory Challenges Hearing

Date: February 18, 2026
Time: 1:30 PM

Location:
1020 O Street
Room 1200
Sacramento, CA 95814

Note: The hearing will be held in the Capitol “swing space” during renovations.

The hearing will consist of three panels, with public testimony at the end. Public comments will likely be limited to two minutes, so please prepare concise remarks.

The AKA legislative team will be attending and testifying in coordination with the GKC, and we invite all available California advocates to attend in person and show support.

If You Cannot Attend:

Complete the form at Protectkratom.org/california 

Please email your comments today in support of keeping kratom safe and regulated to

📧 SHEA.Committee@senate.ca.gov

Address your message to:
Chair, Senator Akilah Weber Person, M.D.

Keep your message respectful and focused on keeping kratom safe. 

⚠️ Iowa Alert: Contact Majority Members Now

Iowa continues to be a serious concern. It’s critical that advocates contact majority members immediately and share why kratom consumer protection—not prohibition—is the right path.

👉 Take action here: Protectkratom.org/iowa

 

🚫 Illinois Alert: Oppose SB 3160

Illinois lawmakers are considering bans bills like SB 3160, a bill that would move the state in the wrong direction by threatening responsible kratom consumers and access.

Advocates in Illinois (and those who support them) need to write in now and urge lawmakers to reject prohibition and support consumer protection instead.

👉 Take action to oppose SB 3160:
Protectkratom.org/illinois

Personal stories and respectful messages make a real difference—please take a moment to speak up.

 

🏛️ Connecticut: Support Needed Before February 24

Connecticut is moving forward with another ban challenge. Advocates can still submit support ahead of the February 24 meeting.

👉 Support the Connecticut challenge here:
Protectkratom.org/connecticut

 

💙 Help Power the Fight — Every Donation Makes a Difference

January showed us just how intense—and how important—this work has become. As more states consider bans or flawed legislation, the need for rapid response, legal analysis, on-the-ground advocacy, and national coordination continues to grow.

If you’re able, please consider making a donation to support the American Kratom Association’s advocacy efforts. Gifts of any size truly matter. Whether it’s $5, $25, or more, your contribution helps fuel testimony, research, travel to hearings, and the resources needed to protect safe kratom access nationwide.

This movement exists because of advocates like you—both in voice and in support. If kratom has mattered in your life, your donation helps ensure it remains protected for others.