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June 2025 Advocacy Update
Protecting Access, Advancing Awareness
🏛️ Legislative Watch
As we move into the summer of 2025, the fight to protect access to natural Kratom leaf continues, as the state of Louisiana has recently passed legislation at the last minute that will make Kratom illegal to buy, sell, or possess beginning August 1st of this year.
🚫 Louisiana Bans Kratom
On May 28, 2025, Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry signed Senate Bill 154 into law, officially banning the possession, sale, and use of Kratom statewide. The law categorizes Kratom’s active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, as Schedule I controlled substances — the same category as heroin and LSD.
The ban takes effect on August 1, 2025 and carries severe penalties, including:
- Fines up to $50,000
- Prison sentences of 5–10 years for possession
- Even harsher sentences for distribution
This places Louisiana among the small handful of states — alongside Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin — that have enacted a full prohibition.
⚠️ Why This Matters
The law passed despite strong grassroots advocacy and an alternative proposal — House Bill 253, a Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) — which would have introduced age restrictions, testing requirements, and labeling guidelines rather than banning Kratom outright. Unfortunately, that common-sense approach was rejected in favor of prohibition.
This sets a dangerous precedent for other states considering action. It reflects a growing need for Kratom supporters to become more organized, vocal, and visible to lawmakers before more access is stripped away.
➡️ How You Can Help:
- Visit ProtectKratom.org and sign active petitions
- Send respectful emails or letters to your state representatives
- Share your Kratom experience on social media using #KratomSavesLives
- Support the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) when introduced in your state
🌿 Several states are actively implementing new legislation related to Kratom this month. Most notably:
- North Carolina House Bill 328 — This bill includes language that will, seemingly, impact the sale of Kratom extracts. While the intent appears to focus on highly concentrated products, the vague wording raises concern for consumers of plain leaf Kratom. Advocacy groups are urging lawmakers to clarify the distinction between natural Kratom and isolated alkaloid extracts.
We encourage our community to stay informed and involved. Clear laws that prioritize consumer safety — without banning traditional plant products — benefit everyone.
📣 Your Voice Still Matters
We continue to hear from customers who share how Kratom has positively impacted their lives — supporting energy, motivation, focus, and natural wellness when other options failed. These personal stories are powerful and can shape policy when shared with legislators, especially those unfamiliar with Kratom’s role in harm reduction.
🔬 Science & Education
New studies continue to emerge that highlight Kratom’s safety profile when used responsibly. We maintain a regularly updated library of peer-reviewed research, policy briefings, and expert commentary here on our site:
👉 Kratom: Studies, Articles, and Press Releases
Let’s continue to educate others with facts — not fear.
🌿 May 2025 Kratom Advocacy Update
May has been a pivotal month for Kratom advocacy across the United States. While some states are moving toward regulation and consumer protection, others are considering or advancing bans. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the latest developments:
🌿 Progress in Kratom Regulation
• South Carolina Enacts Kratom Consumer Protection Act
On May 8, 2025, South Carolina ratified the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (Bill 221), which will take effect 60 days after gubernatorial approval. This legislation mandates clear labeling of kratom products, prohibits sales to individuals under 21, and sets quality standards to ensure consumer safety.
• New York Introduces Kratom Consumer Protection Act
Senator Leroy Comrie introduced Senate Bill S8136 on May 15, 2025, aiming to regulate kratom products in New York. The proposed legislation includes provisions for product labeling, age restrictions (21+), lab testing, and a 5% sales tax on kratom products.
• Arkansas Senate Votes to Lift Kratom Ban
In a significant shift, the Arkansas Senate passed a bill in April 2025 to remove kratom from the state’s list of controlled substances. If enacted, this would legalize kratom for adults, aligning Arkansas with neighboring states where kratom is permitted.
⚖️ Challenges and Controversies
• Louisiana Senate Advances Kratom Ban
Louisiana’s Senate passed SB 154 on May 6, 2025, aiming to classify kratom as a Schedule I substance, effectively criminalizing its possession and distribution. The bill now moves to the House for consideration.
📣 How You Can Support Kratom Advocacy
- Stay Informed: Regularly check for updates on kratom legislation in your state.
- Engage with Lawmakers: Reach out to your state representatives to express your views on kratom regulation.
- Join Advocacy Groups: Participate in organizations like the American Kratom Association to support consumer rights.
- Educate Others: Share accurate information about kratom to dispel myths and promote informed discussions.
🌿 April 2025 Kratom Advocacy Update
April 2025 has been a pivotal month for kratom advocacy, marked by significant legislative developments and proactive efforts by the American Kratom Association (AKA) to safeguard consumer rights and access.
Kratom Legislation in Texas: What You Need to Know
As of April 2025, Kratom remains legal in Texas—but it may not stay that way without continued advocacy and awareness. Lawmakers in the state have shown growing interest in introducing regulations that could impact Kratom access, including potential age restrictions, labeling requirements, and even limitations on specific alkaloids.
The American Kratom Association (AKA) is actively monitoring the situation and preparing to respond to any proposed legislation that could unfairly restrict safe and responsible use. Their goal in Texas, as in other states, is to support the adoption of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA)—a framework that ensures product safety, transparency, and continued access for consumers.
Texans who value their freedom to choose natural wellness options are encouraged to stay informed and ready to take action. Your voice matters more than ever.
Stay tuned for updates and join the fight to Protect Kratom in the Lone Star State.
Florida’s Proposed Kratom Legislation Raises Concerns
In Florida, House Bill 1489 has emerged as a contentious piece of legislation within the kratom community. The bill proposes stringent regulations that the AKA warns could lead to increased prices, limited product options, and potentially a de facto ban on kratom. The association has mobilized Florida residents to contact their state senators and representatives, urging them to oppose HB 1489 and maintain existing kratom laws.
Missouri House Advances Kratom Regulation Bill
On March 27, 2025, the Missouri House gave initial approval to a bill aimed at regulating kratom products. The proposed legislation seeks to establish an age restriction of 21 for kratom purchases and impose limitations on product ingredients. While the bill awaits a final House vote before moving to the Senate, the AKA has expressed concerns over amendments that may permit the sale of synthetic forms of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent kratom extract. The association continues to advocate for consumer safety and transparent product labeling in Missouri.
Looking Ahead
The AKA remains steadfast in its mission to protect consumer access to safe kratom products through science-based advocacy and legislative engagement. As state-level initiatives continue to evolve, the association encourages supporters to stay informed and participate in advocacy efforts to ensure fair and reasonable regulations. We encourage everyone to closely follow the ever changing landscape and laws regarding Kratom, as allowing our voices to be fully heard is the absolute best proactive way in letting the truth be known and to prevail for a tree leaf that has helped so many!
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