Kratom crackdown in California may be premature

Gov. Gavin Newsom said state agents removed over 3,300 kratom and related 7‑OH products, and the California Department of Public Health has treated kratom products as illegal to sell since October.

California's governor has announced the removal of thousands of kratom and related 7‑OH products from retail shelves. The action follows reporting of kratom-linked deaths and a state health agency move last year to treat kratom sales as prohibited. Federal agencies have also said kratom products are not lawfully marketed in the U.S., and discussions about national regulation have occurred. Key facts: - Gov. Gavin Newsom announced that state agents removed more than 3,300 kratom and related 7‑OH products from licensed businesses in California. - The California Department of Public Health has considered kratom products illegal to sell in the state since October. - Federal agencies, including the FDA, say kratom products are not lawfully marketed in the U.S., and federal scheduling or bans have been discussed but are not in place. Summary: The governor's retail removals address local availability but do not resolve questions about testing, monitoring, and broader regulation. A federal regulatory decision has been proposed in the past, and next steps at the national level are undetermined at this time.