Montana Board of Pharmacy Meeting, February 27, 2026
The committee is expected to use the testimony from this February 27 meeting to refine a formal bill for the next legislative session.
The Montana Economic Affairs Interim Committee (EAIC) meeting on February 27, 2026, was a critical step in the state’s legislative study of kratom (stemming from HJ 60). The session featured a mix of industry experts, medical professionals, and state regulators.
Key Advocates & Testifiers
The testimony was dominated by the debate between the “Kratom Consumer Protection Act” (KCPA) model and more restrictive medical concerns:
The AKA, Dr. Oliver Grundmann (University of Florida), Montana Medical Association (MMA) Representative and Local Business Owners: Several retailers from Yellowstone County testified about the impact of the local ban, arguing that a uniform statewide law is necessary to provide business stability.
Requested Toxicology & Public Health Data
The committee formally requested that the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) and the Department of Justice (DOJ) compile a “Montana-specific Kratom Impact Report” by the next interim meeting. They asked for:
| Data Category | Specific Request |
| Polysubstance Deaths | A breakdown of every death since 2023 where kratom was detected, specifically identifying how many involved fentanyl or other opioids. |
| 7-OH Concentration | Data on whether seized “illicit” kratom products in Montana (from recent stings) contained the synthetic 7-OH levels currently banned in other states. |
| Poison Control Trends | A 3-year trend report from the Rocky Mountain Poison and Drug Center regarding kratom calls originating from Montana zip codes. |
| Hospitalization Data | ICD-10 code tracking for admissions specifically citing “Kratom Withdrawal” or “Kratom Toxicity” to see if the numbers justify a “public health emergency” designation. |
The committee chair, Sen. Jason Ellsworth (who has been a key figure in this study), indicated that the goal is to have a “final” draft of the revised KCPA ready for the 2027 legislative session. This draft is expected to include a statutory 2% cap on 7-OH and a mandatory registration fee for all kratom processors operating in Montana.
Montana Board of Pharmacy Meeting Agenda February, 27, 2027 9:00 am – 1:00 pm MST
It is currently scheduled for first on the list.
V. Board Action: 2027 Legislative Planning and Discussion – Marcie Bough, Jennifer Stallkamp, Erin Sullivan, Policy Analyst
A. Overview of 2027 Legislative Concepts:
Topics will focus on the General Pharmacy Practice Act, controlled substances, and potentially other topics to clarify, revise and modernize pharmacy-related statutes not addressed in the 2025 Legislative Session: Title 37 Chapter 7 – Pharmacy, Title 50 Chapter 32 – Controlled Substances, others.
B. Opportunity for Public Comment
C. Board Discussion
We already know there will be opposition in attendance that will be making their presence known at this hearing. We ask that you be courteous, professional and concise. Ask MBOP to take NO ACTION and allow the legislative process to do it’s job.
Please share this with your friends and family within Montana. If you are responding from out of state, please make sure you have familial or financial ties to our state. Also, please be sure to reach out to your state representative and congressman. Ask them to reach out to the board of pharmacy saying that they be allowed to do their job and take up this action. Thank you.
To find your Legislator, click HERE
State of Montana: Agenda Board of Pharmacy 2/27/26 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Via Teleconference Only Request to Consider Kratom Rulemaking
Zoom Link
Meeting ID: 870 9787 4244 Password: 104357
Cities and Counties:
Yellowstone County
History
HB407 KCPA, failed May 2025
SB407 Controversial education bill that ultimately failed May 2025