SB820 Do NOT support, Nonapproved consumable product
HB1523 House version of SB820 Do NOT Support
Maryland House Bill 1523 (HB 1523) is the House version of the restrictive kratom legislation currently being considered in the 2026 Maryland General Assembly. It is cross-filed with SB 820, meaning they are identical bills moving through both chambers simultaneously.
Hearing Overviews
The session was a “Hearing Only” meeting, meaning no formal vote was taken by the committee that day. Testimony was heard from several stakeholders:
Opponents: Included kratom consumers and advocacy groups who expressed concerns over the bill’s restrictive language and potential for a de facto ban on various kratom products.
Hearing Overview
The session was a “Hearing Only” meeting, meaning no formal vote was taken by the committee that day. Testimony was heard from several stakeholders:
Opponents: Included kratom consumers and advocacy groups who expressed concerns over the bill’s restrictive language and potential for a de facto ban on various kratom products.
The bill remains in the Senate Finance Committee. No voting session has been held yet to move it to the Senate floor. However, with the First Lady’s active involvement, the bill is expected to see a committee vote soon.
Proponents: Led by the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC), who argued for expanded enforcement powers to curb the sale of “unauthorized” products.
Proponents: Led by the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission (ATCC), who argued for expanded enforcement powers to curb the sale of “unauthorized” products.
Senate Finance Committee Contact List
Committee email: aa_fin@mga.maryland.gov
| Member | Email Address |
| Pamela Beidle, Chair | pamela.beidle@senate.maryland.gov |
| Arthur Ellis | arthur.ellis@senate.maryland.gov |
| Dawn Gile | dawn.gile@senate.maryland.gov |
| Stephen Hershey, Jr. | steve.hershey@senate.maryland.gov |
| Carl Jackson | carl.jackson@senate.maryland.gov |
| Benjamin Kramer | benjamin.kramer@senate.maryland.gov |
| Clarence Lam | clarence.lam@senate.maryland.gov |
| Johnny Mautz | johnny.mautz@senate.maryland.gov |
| Justin Ready | justin.ready@senate.maryland.gov |
| Alonzo Washington | alonzo.washington@senate.maryland.gov |
Key Submission Details
Official Testimony: Note that the Maryland General Assembly usually requires formal written testimony to be uploaded via their online portal during specific windows (often 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. the day before the hearing).
If that window has passed for a tomorrow 1:00 p.m. hearing, direct emails to the Senators’ offices are your best alternative to make your position known.
Email Template
CC: aa_fin@mga.maryland.gov
Subject: OPPOSE SB 820 – Consumable Product Enforcement & Seizure
Body:
Dear
My name is [Your Name], and I am a resident of [Your City/District]. I am writing to formally voice my opposition to SB 820 as it is currently written.
While I understand the importance of product safety, I am concerned that the broad language of this bill would effectively ban access to natural kratom products. Many Marylanders, including myself, rely on these products for [mention a brief personal reason, e.g., chronic pain management, wellness, or as an alternative to other medications].
Instead of a ban, I urge the committee to support the standards already established in the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), which focuses on:
- Strict laboratory testing for purity and contaminants.
- Prohibiting synthetic alterations and ensuring clear labeling.
- Enforcing a minimum purchase age of 21.
I respectfully request that you protect consumer access to safe, regulated products and vote UNFAVORABLE on SB 820.
Thank you for your time and for your service to the state of Maryland.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Your Phone Number/Address]
Key Details for Your Submission
Official Rules: If the formal window to upload testimony to the MyMGA portal (8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. two business days prior) has passed, direct emails to the senators remain a vital way to share your stance before the hearing begins.
The Maryland General Assembly is a public institution, and the public is encouraged to observe committee proceedings.
Hearing Logistics – In-person
- Date: Tomorrow, March 5, 2026
- Time: 1:00 p.m.
- Location: East Miller Senate Building, Room 3, Annapolis, MD.
Tips for Attending in Person
Testifying: While the official online signup window to speak (which usually closes at 6:00 p.m. two business days prior) has likely passed, showing up in person is still a powerful way to show the committee the level of public interest in SB 820. Sometimes chairs will allow additional “favorable” or “unfavorable” sign-ups on a sheet in the room, but this is at their discretion.
PREVIOUSLY
There was a slight schedule shift. While the hearing for HB 1523 was originally slated for yesterday (March 3), the legislative activity for today, March 4, 2026, was primarily focused on the Senate side and floor movements for other bills.
Arrival & Security: Aim to arrive at least 30–45 minutes early. You will need to enter through a security checkpoint (similar to airport security) at the Miller Senate Building or the State House.
Identification: You must bring a valid photo ID (like a driver’s license) to enter the building.
Seating: Public seating in the committee room is available on a first-come, first-served basis. If the room reaches capacity, there are usually overflow areas where you can watch the live stream.
Hearing Date: March 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m..
Location: East Miller Senate Building, Room 3, Annapolis, MD.
Individual Emails: Your files recommend sending emails individually to each member to ensure they are seen, rather than only using mass emails.
General Committee Email: You should also CC or separately email the committee staff at aa_fin@mga.maryland.gov.
Subject Line: Use a clear subject line such as: TESTIMONY - SB 820 - OPPOSE - [Your Name].
HB 1523 Status Update
- The Hearing: The House Health and Government Operations Committee held the official hearing for HB 1523 on Tuesday, March 3. Because it was a “Hearing Only” session, the committee listened to testimony from proponents (likely the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Cannabis Commission) and opponents (kratom consumers and advocacy groups).
- Today’s Action (March 4): No formal vote was recorded today. The bill is currently in “Under Committee Review” status. This is the stage where delegates weigh the testimony heard yesterday and decide whether to move the bill to a voting session or suggest amendments to the language regarding “unauthorized products.”
- Key Concern: The main point of contention raised during the March 3rd testimony was the bill’s broad definition of “unauthorized” products, which advocates argue could lead to the seizure of safe, lab-tested kratom that is technically legal under Maryland’s existing Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA).
What’s Next?
The action moves to the Senate tomorrow.
- Cross-filed Bill: SB 820 (the Senate version of this exact bill) is scheduled for its hearing tomorrow, March 5, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Senate Finance Committee.
- Why this matters: The Senate hearing is another chance for the public to submit testimony. If the House committee is on the fence after yesterday, the energy in the Senate hearing tomorrow could influence whether the bill is amended to be less restrictive toward the kratom industry.
HB1229 KCPA passed in May 2024
SB820 – Do NOT Support
The bill represents a significant shift in how Maryland would regulate and enforce laws surrounding “unauthorized consumable products,” which includes kratom.
HB1523 House version of SB820 Do NOT Support
Maryland House Bill 1523 (HB 1523) is the House version of the restrictive kratom legislation currently being considered in the 2026 Maryland General Assembly. It is cross-filed with SB 820, meaning they are identical bills moving through both chambers simultaneously.
Date: Tuesday, March 3, 2026 1:00 PM EST
Location: House Office Building, Room 240, Annapolis, MD
Committee: House Health Committee
Chair, Heather A. Bagnall Heather A. Bagnall
Vice Chair, Bonnie L. Cullison Bonnie L. Cullison
The following is a draft you can use to contact the committee members. It is tailored to the specific concerns surrounding HB 1523 and its impact on consumers and small businesses.
Draft Letter to House Health Committee
Subject: CONSTITUENT OPPOSITION: HB 1523 – Unauthorized Consumable Products
Dear Delegate [Member Last Name],
I am writing to you today as a concerned Maryland resident to express my strong opposition to HB 1523, which is scheduled for a hearing in the House Health and Government Operations Committee on March 3rd.
While I support the goal of ensuring product safety, HB 1523 as currently written would create a de facto ban on kratom and other botanical supplements by requiring FDA approvals that do not currently exist for these products. This legislation would have several unintended and harmful consequences:
- Criminalize Adult Consumers: Thousands of Marylanders rely on kratom for their daily well-being. This bill would effectively remove safe, legal access and push consumers toward unregulated and potentially dangerous illicit markets.
- Harm Small Businesses: Local retailers who follow strict safety protocols would be forced to pull products from their shelves immediately under the threat of seizure and criminal misdemeanors.
- Ignore Sensible Regulation: Rather than an outright ban, I urge the committee to consider a Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) model. This approach focuses on age-gating (21+), strict labeling requirements, and mandatory laboratory testing for contaminants to ensure public safety without criminalization.
I ask that you protect the rights of Maryland consumers and the livelihoods of local business owners by issuing an unfavorable report on HB 1523.
Thank you for your time and for your dedicated service to our state.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Your Address/City, Maryland] [Your Phone Number]
Next Steps for Testimony
If you would like to go beyond an email and submit official testimony for the record:
Format: Written testimony is usually submitted as a PDF.
Registration: You must sign up via the Maryland General Assembly testimony portal between 8:00 am and 3:00 pm on Monday, March 2nd (the business day prior to the hearing).
SB820 Do NOT support, Nonapproved consumable product
Maryland Senate Bill 820 (SB 820), introduced in February 2026, is a significant regulatory bill that would change how kratom is treated under Maryland law. Unlike the “Kratom Consumer Protection Acts” (KCPA) seen in other states which focus on keeping the plant legal but regulated, SB 820 is viewed by many advocates as a move toward a de facto ban on most retail kratom products.
As of late February 2026, the bill is assigned to the Senate Finance Committee
with a hearing scheduled for February 26, 2026.
Hearing, Finance Committee:
February 26, 2026 1:00 PM
3 East Miller Senate Office Building, Room 3
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
Phone: 410-841-3677
Committee Members:
Chair: Pamela Beidle (D) pamela.beidle@senate.state.md.us
Vice Chair: Antonio Hayes (D) antonio.hayes@senate.state.md.us
| Arthur Ellis | Democrat | arthur.ellis@senate.state.md.us |
| Dawn Gile | Democrat | dawn.gile@senate.state.md.us |
| Carl Jackson | Democrat | carl.jackson@senate.state.md.us |
| Benjamin Kramer | Democrat | benjamin.kramer@senate.state.md.us |
| Clarence Lam | Democrat | clarence.lam@senate.state.md.us |
| Alonzo Washington | Democrat | alonzo.washington@senate.state.md.us |
| Stephen Hershey Jr. | Republican | steve.hershey@senate.state.md.us |
| Johnny Mautz | Republican | johnny.mautz@senate.state.md.us |
| Justin Ready | Republican | justin.ready@senate.state.md.us |
Subject Line: Clearly state the bill number and your stance (e.g., “OPPOSE SB 820 – Consumable Product Enforcement”).
Be Personal: Mention if you are a constituent in their district.
Be Concise: Explain how a de facto ban would impact your health or business.
Deadlines: Written testimony for the February 26th hearing should ideally be submitted via the Maryland General Assembly testimony portal 24–48 hours in advance.
Email template you can copy and paste to contact the Maryland Senate Finance Committee members regarding SB 820.
Subject: CONSTITUENT OPPOSITION: SB 820 – Unauthorized Consumable Products
Dear Senator [Member Last Name],
I am writing to you today as a concerned Maryland resident to express my strong opposition to SB 820, which is scheduled for a hearing in the Senate Finance Committee on February 26th.
While I support the goal of ensuring product safety, SB 820 as currently written would create a de facto ban on kratom by requiring FDA approvals that do not currently exist for botanical supplements. This would:
Criminalize Adult Consumers: Thousands of Marylanders rely on kratom for their well-being. This bill would effectively remove safe, legal access and push consumers toward unregulated markets.
Harm Small Businesses: Local retailers who follow safety protocols would be forced to pull products from shelves immediately under threat of seizure and criminal misdemeanors.
Ignore Sensible Regulation: Rather than a ban, I urge the committee to consider a Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) model, which focuses on age-gating (21+), strict labeling, and laboratory testing for contaminants.
I ask that you protect the rights of Maryland consumers and the livelihoods of local business owners by issuing an unfavorable report on SB 820.
Thank you for your time and for your dedicated service to our state.
Sincerely,
[Your Name] [Your Address/City, Maryland] [Your Phone Number]
HB1523 House version of SB820
Maryland House Bill 1523 (HB 1523) is the House version of the restrictive kratom legislation currently being considered in the 2026 Maryland General Assembly. It is cross-filed with SB 820, meaning they are identical bills moving through both chambers simultaneously.
As of February 2026, HB 1523 is assigned to the Health and Government Operations Committee and the Judiciary Committee.
Bill History
HB1229 KCPA passed in May 2024
SB147 ban Feb 2020 failed
SB283 Feb 2020 died