In Kentucky, natural leaf kratom remains legal, but the state operates under strict regulatory controls and targeted restrictions on concentrated derivatives.

Current Legal Framework

• Statewide Regulation (KRS 217.2201–217.2209): Kentucky enacted its version of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) under HB 293. It restricts sales to individuals 21 and older, bans synthetic or adulterated additives, mandates strict labeling/testing, and caps 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) levels at no more than 2% of total alkaloids.
• 7-OH Reclassification: The Cabinet for Health and Family Services moved to schedule isolated and concentrated forms of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as a Schedule I controlled substance. While plain leaf powders and standard full-spectrum extracts compliant with state alkaloid limits remain legal, high-potency isolated 7-OH products are banned.

2026 Legislative Action

• House Bill 757 (HB757): Late-session amendments to this broad omnibus measure introduced language on pages 342–343 that aimed to repeal Kentucky’s KCPA and enact an outright prohibition on the sale and distribution of all kratom products with heavy civil penalties.
• Current Status: HB 757 passed both legislative chambers and was delivered to Governor Andy Beshear. Because the General Assembly adjourned without overriding a potential veto or confirming final administrative execution, natural kratom continues to be sold under the KCPA provisions while the governor’s decision and regulatory follow-ups unfold.

HB757 Kratom Ban, removes previous regulation Page 342 and 343
Read HB757
Status: Engrossed on March 12 2026 – 50% progression
Action: 2026-04-01 – passed 65-25

HB481 Amend KRS 217.2202 to eliminate the prohibition on kratom extracts and kratom products that contain greater than two percent 7-hydroxymitragynine; amend KRS 217.2203 to establish that products that contain greater than two percent 7-hydroxymitragynine shall comply with labeling requirements…
Status: Introduced on February 12 2025 – 25% progression, died in committee
Action: 2025-02-14 – to Health Services (H)
Pending: House Health Services Committee

HB895 This active bill seeks to establish a new Department of Psychoactive Substances. If passed, this department would take over the regulation and enforcement of cannabis, kratom, and specific hemp products.
Status: Introduced on March 4 2026 – 25% progression
Action: 2026-03-11 – to Licensing, Occupations, & Administrative Regulations (H)
Pending: House Licensing, Occupations & Administrative Regulations Committee

HB293 Creates new sections of KRS Chapter 217 to define terms related to kratom, to prohibit the sale of kratom products to individuals under 21 years of age, to establish product safety standards, to establish labeling requirements for kratom products, to authorize the Department for Public Health to promulgate administrative regulations related to the regulation of kratom products, to establish penalties, and to declare the supremacy of federal law.
Status: Passed on April 4 2024 – 100% progression
Action: 2024-04-04 – signed by Governor (Acts Ch. 44)