{"id":1457,"date":"2026-01-09T06:29:46","date_gmt":"2026-01-09T06:29:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/?page_id=1457"},"modified":"2026-05-03T00:10:15","modified_gmt":"2026-05-03T00:10:15","slug":"california","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.botanicalae.org\/?page_id=1457","title":{"rendered":"California"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

AB1088<\/mark><\/strong><\/a>  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:<\/strong> Engrossed on June 2 2025 – 50% progression
Action:<\/strong> 2025-06-11 – Referred to Com. on HEALTH.
Pending: Senate Health Committee<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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SB758<\/mark><\/strong><\/a> (schedules 7OH) An act to add Section 22984 to the Business and Professions Code, relating to public health.
Status:<\/strong> Engrossed on January 27 2026 – 50% progression
Action:<\/strong> 2026-01-27 – In Assembly. Read first time. Held at Desk.

Alcoholic Beverage Control Warning<\/a>
CPHD California Department of Public Health Retailer Warning<\/a>

CDPH California Department of Public Health, Public Health
On February 18, 2026, the California State Senate Health Committee held a high-stakes informational hearing<\/strong> in Sacramento titled “Kratom and 7-Hydroxymitragynine: Public Health Concerns and Regulatory Challenges<\/a>.”<\/em> 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<\/span>:<\/strong> The hearing focused on the rising popularity of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)<\/strong>, a potent kratom alkaloid. State health officials expressed grave concerns over a cluster of fatal overdoses in Los Angeles County<\/a> linked to synthetic 7-OH products.
State Crackdown Defended<\/span>:<\/strong> Representatives from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH)<\/strong> 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<\/a> worth of products statewide.
Support for Regulation over Prohibition<\/span>:<\/strong> Many advocates and researchers testified in opposition to SB 758<\/a>, 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<\/strong>, which proposes age limits (21+), strict labeling, and potency caps.
Legislative “Fast-Tracking”<\/span>:<\/strong> Advocates from groups like Students for Sensible Drug Policy (SSDP)<\/a> 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<\/span><\/strong>:

Anaheim<\/strong> (Chapter 6.105<\/a>) banned 7oh and synthetically enhanced<\/mark>
City of Orange<\/mark><\/span> Ban passed<\/mark> Feb. 27, 2026 adopted<\/mark> Ordinance 01-26<\/a>

Coronado<\/strong> proposed ban
The City Council is introducing an ordinance that would enact a blanket ban on all natural kratom products. The ban ignores the critical distinction between natural botanical kratom and highly concentrated, novel synthetic alkaloids like synthetic 7-OH.
Phone calls and emails are needed.
John Duncan, Mayor jduncan@coronado.ca.us<\/a> 619-522-7320<\/a>
City Council
Carrie Downey cdowney@coronado.ca.us (619) 522-7320
Mark Fleming mfleming@coronado.ca.us (619) 522-7320
Kelly Purvis kelly.purvis@coronado.ca.us (619) 522-2637
Amy Steward asteward@coronado.ca.us (619) 522-7320

Subject:<\/strong> Opposition to Proposed Blanket Ban on Natural Kratom Products

Dear [Mayor] [Council Member]
I am writing to express my strong opposition to the proposed ordinance that would enact a blanket ban on all natural kratom products in Coronado.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Subject:<\/strong> Opposition to Proposed Blanket Ban on Natural Kratom Products<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

While I understand the Council\u2019s commitment to public health, a total ban fails to recognize the critical distinction between natural botanical kratom<\/strong> and highly concentrated, synthetic alkaloids<\/strong> like synthetic 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Prohibiting natural kratom may lead to several unintended consequences:<\/p>\n\n\n\n