- Statewide Overview: Plain leaf kratom remains legal at the state level, but state agencies are actively enforcing regulatory restrictions on retail sales.
- State Agency Enforcement:
- The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has issued retailer warnings under the Sherman Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Law, classifying kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) as unapproved food additives/dietary supplements.
- The Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) is conducting joint enforcement actions resulting in product seizures at licensed alcohol retail locations.
- Pending State Legislation:
- Local Municipal Bans:
- Cities: San Diego, Oceanside, Newport Beach, Anaheim, and Jurupa Valley.
- Counties (Unincorporated Areas): Los Angeles County and Riverside County.
AB1088 An act to add Article 16 (commencing with Section 111224.8) to Chapter 5 of Part 5 of Division 104 of the Health and Safety Code, relating to public health.
Status: Engrossed on June 2 2025 – 50% progression
Action: 2025-06-11 – Referred to Com. on HEALTH.
Pending: Senate Health Committee
SB758 (schedules 7OH) An act to add Section 22984 to the Business and Professions Code, relating to public health.
Status: Engrossed on January 27 2026 – 50% progression
Action: 2026-01-27 – In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.
Alcoholic Beverage Control Warning
CPHD California Department of Public Health Retailer Warning
CDPH California Department of Public Health, Public Health
On February 18, 2026, the California State Senate Health Committee held a high-stakes informational hearing in Sacramento titled “Kratom and 7-Hydroxymitragynine: Public Health Concerns and Regulatory Challenges.” This meeting was not a standard CDPH department meeting, but a legislative oversight session that brought together state health officials, toxicologists, and advocates to debate the future of kratom in California.
Safety vs. Access Debate: The hearing focused on the rising popularity of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), a potent kratom alkaloid. State health officials expressed grave concerns over a cluster of fatal overdoses in Los Angeles County linked to synthetic 7-OH products.
State Crackdown Defended: Representatives from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) defended their ongoing enforcement strategy. They reiterated that under the Sherman Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, they consider kratom to be an “adulterated” food additive. They revealed that as of the hearing date, they had already seized over $5 million worth of products statewide.
Support for Regulation over Prohibition: Many advocates and researchers testified in opposition to SB 758, a bill that would classify synthetic 7-OH as a Schedule I substance. They argued that a total ban would push users toward more dangerous illicit markets and suggested instead following the framework of AB 1088, which proposes age limits (21+), strict labeling, and potency caps.
Legislative “Fast-Tracking”: Advocates from groups like Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP) warned that these restrictive bills are moving on an accelerated timeline and urged lawmakers to wait for more comprehensive toxicological data before enacting a permanent ban.
Cities and Counties
Subject: Opposition to Proposed Blanket Ban on Natural Kratom Products
- Anaheim (Chapter 6.105) banned 7oh and synthetically enhanced
City of Orange Ban passed Feb. 27, 2026 adopted Ordinance 01-26
Costa Mesa: No city-level ban on natural plain-leaf kratom has been enacted. - Covina: Adopted Ordinance 26-01 to regulate/restrict high-potency synthetic extracts (such as 7-OH) and enforce
- Dana Point Banned. The City Council unanimously approved an ordinance banning the sale and distribution of kratom products during its March 17, 2026 meeting.
- Fountain Valley Adopted an ordinance targeting high-potency synthetic kratom (restricting 7-OH above 2% and enforcing age limits) rather than a total ban on natural plain leaf.
- Fullerton Banned. Adopted Ordinance No. 3357 in May 2026 to restrict the sale and distribution of kratom products within city limits.
- Garden Grove The City Council Reconsidered a sweeping commercial prohibition
- Huntington Beach – banned 7oh
- LA County LA County Retail Notice HERE.
- Janus Hahn on Kratom and 7oh
- Los Alamitos Introduced Ordinance No. 2026-02 to preserve access to natural plain leaf while placing restrictions on synthetic 7-OH and high-potency derivatives.
- La Quinta: Passed rules prohibiting the sale of kratom products containing more than 2% 7-OH and restricting sales to those under 21
- Marin County No local municipal ban on natural kratom leaf currently enacted.
- Marina No local municipal ban on natural kratom leaf currently enacted.
- Mariposa County The Board of Supervisors met to consider Health and Human Services recommendations regarding potential sales prohibitions on kratom/7-OH products.
- Mission Viejo Banned Ordinance approved\
- Moreno Valley Officially adopted Ordinance No. 1036, which regulates the sale and distribution of kratom by incorporating Riverside County’s Ordinance No. 1004 into the city’s municipal code.
- Murietta Proposed Ordinance No. 628-26: A formal ordinance titled “Prohibiting the Sale, Distribution and Possession of Kratom” was introduced in early 2026. However, at the February 3, 2026 City Council meeting, the council requested further clarification on legal standing before moving to criminalize personal possession, as advocates raised concerns about a “patchwork” of conflicting laws for commuters. Meeting February February 11, 2026 Click for more details
- Newport Beach banned
- Oceanside banned in 2016
- Palm Desert During a study session on February 12, 2026, the City Council expressed a preference for regulations that would mirror Riverside County’s existing rules.
- Pasadena No city-level ban on natural plain-leaf kratom currently enacted.
- Riverside (City) Scheduled public council discussions regarding proposed regulatory frameworks (age limits, testing, labeling) instead of a direct total ban.
- Riverside County Banned 7oh Oct 2025 Ordinance 1004
- Sacramento No local municipal ban on natural kratom leaf currently enacted.
- San Buenaventura (Ventura) No local municipal ban on natural kratom leaf currently enacted.
- San Diego County banned in 2025
- San Diego City banned in 2016
- Santa Ana No city-level ban on natural plain-leaf kratom currently enacted.
- Santa Cruz No city-level ban on natural plain-leaf kratom currently enacted.
- Temecula 01-27-2026 – ban passed ALL Kratom Products Read Ordinance
- Ventura County No countywide ban on natural kratom leaf currently enacted in unincorporated areas.
- Westlake Village Ban passed, Ordinance 312-26 kratom ban
- Yolo County No countywide ban on natural kratom leaf currently enacted in unincorporated areas.