Amy Cooper is a Utah mom whose son became addicted to kratom after a quick gas station stop. She recently shared her story in the Utah Senate, pointing out that her son was able to procure the substance with no ID and no problem.
Her experiences are becoming increasingly common—and increasingly alarming. Click here to listen.
Federal Pressure Builds on FDA
Bipartisan momentum continues to grow in Washington around kratom and 7-OH products. U.S. Senators Pete Rickettsand Richard Blumenthal recently led a letter urging the FDA to address what lawmakers describe as a dangerous “kratom scheduling loophole.” The senators called for scheduling action on both whole-leaf kratom and concentrated 7-OH products under the Controlled Substances Act, citing growing concerns about highly potent products being sold online, in smoke shops, and at gas stations.
The move reflects increasing national concern about concentrated kratom-derived products that mimic opioid effects and are often marketed with little oversight.
New Study Finds Severe Kratom Outcomes Rising
A major new study published in the journal Addiction found that kratom use — and severe health outcomes linked to it — are rising rapidly in the United States. Researchers examining poison center data identified significant increases in reported exposures and serious medical incidents tied to kratom products.
Notably, the study found differing outcomes across states depending on policy approaches. Researchers reported that states with bans on kratom products experienced reductions in severe outcomes, while states relying primarily on regulatory frameworks did not show the same pattern. The findings are expected to add to ongoing national conversations among policymakers, researchers, and public health officials about how best to respond to the evolving kratom marketplace.
The study also adds to a growing body of evidence suggesting that today’s commercial kratom market is dramatically different from the traditional plant products many consumers believe they are purchasing. Researchers and public health experts increasingly point to concentrated and chemically altered products — including 7-OH formulations — as a major driver of harm.
CDC: Kratom Poison Center Reports Up 1,200%
A new report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that kratom-related poison center reports surged approximately 1,200% between 2015 and 2025. In 2025 alone, poison centers documented more than 3,400 kratom exposure cases nationwide.
The CDC report noted that many cases involved serious medical outcomes, including hospitalization and critical care. Public health experts say the spike coincides with the rapid growth of highly concentrated products marketed as “legal highs,” “energy shots,” or “gas station heroin.”
Tennessee Poised to Become 7th State With Full Kratom Ban
Tennessee lawmakers have approved sweeping legislation that would make the state one of the nation’s few to fully ban kratom. The proposal, known as “Matthew Davenport’s Law,” comes after weeks of emotional testimony from families and advocates concerned about addiction and overdose risks.
The legislation would prohibit the sale and distribution of kratom products statewide and impose new criminal penalties. Supporters argue the measure is necessary to address increasingly potent products flooding convenience stores and smoke shops.
Kansas Signs New Kratom Restrictions Into Law
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly recently signed legislation strengthening oversight of kratom and related products in the state. The law updates controlled substance schedules and reflects growing concern among state leaders about synthetic and concentrated kratom compounds entering the marketplace.
The action places Kansas among a growing list of states moving toward tighter regulation or prohibition of kratom-derived substances.
Connecticut Expands Controlled Substance Scheduling
Connecticut officials announced passage of updated controlled substance scheduling legislation that includes additional scrutiny of emerging synthetic and kratom-related compounds. State consumer protection officials praised the action as an important public safety step amid growing concern about unregulated psychoactive products being sold to consumers.
The legislation reflects broader national momentum toward stronger state-level enforcement efforts targeting 7-OH and other concentrated derivatives.
Utah Approves New Restrictions on Kratom Sales
Utah has approved additional restrictions on kratom sales, adding tighter rules around age limits, retail access, and product oversight. Supporters say the measures are intended to prevent youth access and curb the spread of highly concentrated products increasingly sold in convenience stores and vape shops.
The law represents another example of states responding to mounting public health concerns tied to the rapidly evolving kratom market.
Texas Attorney General Sues Kratom Retailers
Ken Paxton announced lawsuits against kratom retailers accused of deceptively marketing and selling products containing dangerous substances. According to the lawsuits, some products were allegedly promoted in misleading ways while containing highly potent compounds that pose significant health risks.
Texas officials say the legal action is part of a broader effort to crack down on companies profiting from unregulated psychoactive products.
Missouri Launches Investigation Into Kratom Industry
Andrew Bailey and Missouri officials have launched investigations into major kratom manufacturers and retailers over alleged dangerous and potentially illegal practices involving the sale and marketing of kratom products.
State officials say the investigation will examine product safety, marketing practices, and whether companies are violating consumer protection laws by selling highly potent or misleadingly labeled products.
