Possessing, buying, or selling kratom and the related compound 7-OH will be a crime in Kansas beginning July 1, 2026

Kansas | June 23, 2026

By Claudia Amaro | Planeta Venus

Image generated with AI for editorial purposes | Planeta Venus

Kansas passed a law banning kratom and the compound 7OH as of July 1, 2026. Both will be Schedule I controlled substances. Having, buying, or selling these products will be a crime and may result in fines or jail time.

What are kratom and 7OH?

Kratom is an herbal product made from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree (Mitragyna speciosa). In countries such as Thailand and Malaysia, it has been used to increase energy, improve mood, or relieve mild or moderate pain. In the United States, it is sold in powders, capsules, liquid extracts, shots, and other forms, and is often found in smoke shops, vape shops, or online.

7OH (7-hydroxymitragynin) is one of the main compounds in kratom and is responsible for many of its effects on the body and brain. These compounds act on the same receptors as opioids, such as morphine. Because of this, kratom can have stimulant effects in low doses and opioid-like effects, such as sedation, pain relief, or euphoria, in higher doses.

New law in Kansas: what changes

Starting July 1, 2026, Kansas will put kratom and 7-OH on Schedule I Controlled Substances. This is the strictest category and also includes drugs such as heroin and LSD, which are considered to be at high risk of abuse and have no accepted medical use.

The practical consequence is that it will be illegal throughout Kansas:

• Possess kratom or products containing 7-OH

• Buy or sell kratom, the 7-OH

• Distribute or transport these products within the state

  
  

Having, buying, or selling kratom can be a crime and carry fines or even imprisonment, depending on the amount and intent to distribute. This law applies to users, merchants, distributors, and anyone who attempts to bring kratom into the state as of the date listed.

Dependence and warning signs

Public information in Kansas points out that regular use of kratom can cause the body to become accustomed to it and develop dependence. Some signs of kratom or 7-OH dependence are:

• Needing more and more kratom to feel the same effect

• Feeling anxious, irritable, sick, or "bad" when you don't take it

• Not being able to leave it or reduce the amount, even if you want to

• Spending a lot of time getting, using, or thinking about kratom

• Continuing to use it, even if it's causing problems at work, school, or home

These signs are similar to those seen with other opioids or substances that cause withdrawal.

Withdrawal symptoms and risks

Stopping kratom after regular use can lead to withdrawal. Symptoms usually begin 3 to 24 hours after the last dose and can last from several days to several weeks. Some withdrawal symptoms include:

• Anxiety or panic attacks

• Diarrhea

• Sleep problems (insomnia)

• Nausea or stomach upset

• Irritability or agitation

• Runny nose (runny nose)

• Frequent yawning

• Cravings.

• Sweating

• Muscle aches

Kansas' public health guidance warns that switching on your own from kratom or 7-OH to other opioids or pain medications without medical supervision is very dangerous. This significantly increases the risk of overdose and death, especially since the strength of the products is not known and they may contain fentanyl or other contaminants from the illegal market.

Treatment and Support Options

Kansas health officials say there are treatments and medications to help with withdrawal and dependence on kratom and 7-OH. It is recommended to talk to a doctor, community clinic, or addiction treatment center to create a safe plan to quit or reduce use.

Some tools that are mentioned:

• Withdrawal medications.

  
  

  Depending on symptoms, a professional may prescribe clonidine (for anxiety, restlessness, sweating, and irritability), medications for nausea, anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen for pain, and short-term sleep aids. These medications don't cure addiction, but they help make quitting kratom more bearable.

  
  

• Buprenorphine (Suboxone)

  
  

  Buprenorphine is an FDA-approved medication that is often used to treat opioid withdrawal and addiction. It is also being used for people with kratom and 7-OH dependence. It can reduce withdrawal symptoms, decrease cravings, and help quit kratom more safely, lowering the risk of relapse.

  
  

• Ongoing care and psychosocial support

  
  

  To sustain long-term changes, the guideline recommends using medications along with services such as individual counseling or therapy, support groups, case management, peer support in recovery, and plans to prevent relapse.

  
  

The idea is to achieve "whole-person healing": not only to quit kratom, but also to improve physical health, mental well-being, relationships, stability at work or school, and a sense of purpose in life.

Immediate Resources in Kansas

Official health information in Kansas suggests the following resources for people who already use kratom or are concerned about a loved one:

• 988 Suicide and Crisis Line: You can call or text for support in times of emotional crisis or risk of self-harm.

• State Substance Use Treatment Referral Line: 8666458216, option 2 on the menu, to find treatment programs and support services in Kansas.

  
  

These services can help find treatment options, nearby clinics, Spanish-language services, and support for those who want to stop using kratom before the law goes into effect.