Kratom Guide

When a kratom vendor says its products are "lab tested," the phrase covers several very different tests. Alkaloid testing measures what is in the product. Contaminant testing checks for what should not be there. The second category, especially heavy metals and microbial testing, is the one that most directly protects buyers. This guide explains what those tests look for, why they matter, and how to read the results.

Why Contaminant Testing Matters for Kratom

Kratom is an agricultural product. Leaves are grown in tropical soil, harvested by hand, dried and ground, often far from where they are sold. Plants can absorb metals from soil and water, and moisture during drying or storage can allow bacteria, yeast and mold to grow. Two public health events show why screening matters:

• Between 2017 and 2018, a Salmonella outbreak linked to kratom sickened 199 people in 41 states, according to the CDC. About 38% of people with available information were hospitalized.
• In 2019, the FDA tested 30 kratom products and reported levels of lead and nickel that it considered above safe daily exposure limits.

Heavy Metals Testing

A heavy metals panel usually covers four elements:

• Lead: can build up in the body over time and is a particular concern with regular use.
• Arsenic: found naturally in some soils and groundwater. Inorganic arsenic is the more toxic form.
• Cadmium: absorbed by plants from soil, and linked to long-term kidney concerns.
• Mercury: less common in plant material, but still part of standard screening.

Results are typically reported in parts per million (ppm) or parts per billion (ppb) and compared with a limit. Many labs refer to United States Pharmacopeia (USP) daily exposure limits for dietary supplements, while some states set their own standards. A result marked "ND" means not detected at the lab's reporting limit.

Microbial Testing

Microbial panels look for harmful bacteria and for signs of poor hygiene or storage. Common tests include:

• Salmonella and E. coli: pathogens that should be absent. USP guidance for powdered botanical extracts, for example, calls for both to be absent in a 10 g sample.
• Total aerobic microbial count: a general measure of how many bacteria are present, reported in colony-forming units per gram (CFU/g).
• Yeast and mold: high counts can point to moisture problems during drying or storage.
• Coliforms and Staphylococcus: additional indicators of sanitation and handling.

Limits vary by standard and product type. Raw dried herbs are often held to looser microbial limits than processed extracts, so compare results against the standard the lab names on the report.

Other Tests You May See

Some COAs also include mycotoxins (toxins produced by certain molds), pesticide residues and foreign matter. Utah's kratom testing rules, for example, require panels for alkaloids, microbials, heavy metals, mycotoxins, pesticides and foreign matter, carried out by an ISO/IEC 17025 accredited lab.

How to Read the Results

• Match the batch number on the report to the number on your package.
• Look for units and limits beside each result, not just a pass or fail stamp.
• Check that the lab is named and, ideally, ISO/IEC 17025 accredited.
• Remember that a report only covers the tests actually run. No microbial panel means no information about microbes.

For a full walkthrough of a report, including the alkaloid panel, read our guide on how to read a kratom third-party lab report before you buy.

How Botanical Remedies Tests Its Kratom

According to our quality page, each batch is lab tested and reviewed before approval. Testing covers identity, alkaloids, adulterants, heavy metals (lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury) and biological safety (Salmonella, yeast, mold, coliforms, E. coli and Staphylococcus). Results are published on our lab tests (COAs) page. Good storage at home also matters after testing, so see our guide on how to store kratom properly for long-term freshness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does "ND" mean on a kratom lab report?

ND means not detected: the contaminant was below the lab's reporting limit.

Is lab-tested kratom completely free of metals?

Not always. Trace metals occur naturally in plants. The question is whether levels fall within accepted limits.

Do all states require kratom contaminant testing?

No. Requirements vary, but several consumer protection laws now require accredited third-party testing.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice.

References

• CDC: Salmonella infections linked to kratom (final update, 24 May 2018)
• FDA: laboratory analysis of kratom products for heavy metals (2019)
• Utah Attorney General: kratom testing requirements
• AHPA comparison of microbial limits (USP 2023)

Kratom and kava are often mentioned in the same breath. Both are traditional botanicals, both are sold in powder form, and both have become more visible in the U.S. through specialty shops and online stores. Beyond those surface similarities, they are very different plants with different histories, active compounds and regulatory situations. This guide sets out the key differences so you can understand each one on its own terms.

Two Different Plants From Two Different Regions

Kratom comes from Mitragyna speciosa, a tropical evergreen tree in the coffee family (Rubiaceae). It is native to Southeast Asia, including Thailand, Malaysia and Indonesia, and the product is made from its leaves.

Kava comes from Piper methysticum, a shrub in the pepper family (Piperaceae). It is native to the Pacific Islands, and researchers believe it was first cultivated in northern Vanuatu around 3,000 years ago. Kava products are made from the root, not the leaves.

Different Active Compounds

The two plants rely on entirely different groups of compounds:

• Kratom contains alkaloids. More than 50 have been identified, and mitragynine is the most abundant. 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) occurs only in trace amounts in natural leaf.
• Kava contains kavalactones, a group of compounds found mainly in the root. Six major kavalactones account for most of kava's activity.

Because the compounds differ, the experiences people describe also differ. Kava is traditionally associated with relaxation and social gatherings. Kratom users report a wider range of effects that vary by strain and amount. In both cases these are reports from users, not clinically established outcomes, and neither botanical is FDA-approved to treat any condition. Our article Unlocking the Mysteries of Kratom Alkaloids explains kratom's chemistry in more detail.

Different Traditions of Use

Kratom leaves were traditionally chewed fresh or brewed into tea by laborers in Southeast Asia, often as part of a working day. Our article on kratom around the world: cultural and traditional uses covers this history.

Kava has a strong ceremonial and social role in Pacific Island cultures. Traditionally, the root is ground, mixed with water and strained through cloth into a shared bowl. Kava ceremonies are still used to welcome guests and mark important occasions in Fiji, Vanuatu, Tonga and Samoa.

Different Safety Conversations

Each botanical carries its own safety discussion. For kava, the main concern has been the liver. The FDA issued a consumer advisory in 2002 about rare reports of severe liver injury linked to kava supplements. Germany restricted kava the same year, although a German court overturned that ban in 2014. Research suggests that solvent-based extracts may carry more risk than traditional water-based preparations.

For kratom, recent attention has centered on product quality and on concentrated 7-OH products, which federal and state regulators treat separately from natural leaf. Contamination is also a known issue across the botanical market, which is why independent testing matters.

Different Legal Status in the U.S.

Kava is not a controlled substance and is sold as a dietary supplement. An FDA memo in 2020 concluded that kava is not generally recognized as safe for use in conventional foods, which affects kava beverages more than capsules.

Kratom leaf is also not federally controlled, but state law varies widely. As of September 2026 it is banned in several states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Vermont, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Connecticut, Kansas and Tennessee, with a temporary ban in Massachusetts. Our 2026 state-by-state kratom law guide has the details.

Choosing Quality in Either Case

Whichever botanical you are researching, the same buying principles apply: clear labeling, a named source, and third-party testing for identity and contaminants. At Botanical Remedies, we publish our lab tests (COAs) and explain our quality process. You can explore our natural kratom powder range there.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are kratom and kava the same plant?

No. Kratom comes from the leaves of Mitragyna speciosa (coffee family), and kava comes from the root of Piper methysticum (pepper family).

Is kava legal in states where kratom is banned?

Kava is not a controlled substance, and kratom state bans generally do not cover it. Check local rules to be sure.

Should kratom and kava be combined?

Their combined effects have not been well studied. Speak with a healthcare professional before combining any botanicals.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice.

References

• Wikipedia: Kratom
• Wikipedia: Kava
• NIH Office of Dietary Supplements: kava
• FDA memo on kava in conventional foods (2020)

Traveling with kratom raises questions that rarely come up at home. Can it go in a carry-on? What happens at airport security? Is it a problem to drive through a state where kratom is banned? The answers depend less on the airline or the car and more on the laws of every place you pass through. This guide covers the key points for flights, road trips and crossing state lines as of September 2026.

Flying Within the U.S.: TSA Screening

The TSA's "What Can I Bring?" list does not include a specific entry for kratom. Its general rules for supplements and powders apply:

• Supplements are allowed in both carry-on and checked bags.
• Powders over 12 ounces (about 350 mL) in a carry-on must be placed in a separate bin for X-ray screening and may receive extra inspection. Smaller amounts, or packing powder in a checked bag, can make screening smoother.
• TSA officers do not search for drugs, but they refer any suspected illegal substance to law enforcement.

That last point matters. If you fly out of, or into, a state where kratom is banned, local law applies from the moment you are there. TSA screening does not make a product legal.

Why State Lines Matter Most

Kratom is legal under federal law but banned in several states. As of September 2026, statewide bans are in force in Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Vermont, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Connecticut, Kansas and Tennessee, and Massachusetts has a temporary emergency ban from 28 August 2026. Some penalties are serious. In Tennessee, possession is a Class A misdemeanor under the ban that took effect on 1 July 2026.

Before any road trip, map your route against the latest state laws, including states you only drive through. Local ordinances can also apply inside otherwise legal states. Our 2026 state-by-state kratom law guide is a good place to start.

Practical Tips for Legal Travel

• Keep kratom in its original, labeled package, ideally with the batch number visible, so it is easy to identify.
• Carry only what you need for the trip.
• Consider capsules for convenience. Our article on why kratom capsules are ideal for convenience and travel explains the advantages. You can browse our kratom capsules
• Protect freshness. Heat and humidity in cars and luggage can affect quality, so follow our guide on how to store kratom properly for long-term freshness.
• Never ship kratom ahead of you to an address in a banned state.

International Travel Is a Different Matter

Taking kratom abroad carries far more risk. Kratom is banned or tightly controlled in many countries, including Australia, the United Kingdom, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Norway and a number of EU countries such as Denmark, Sweden, Poland, Ireland and Finland. Singapore in particular has a record of arresting travelers carrying kratom. Even Thailand, which legalized kratom in 2021, has its own rules. The safest approach is not to travel internationally with kratom at all.

Bringing kratom into the United States is also restricted. FDA Import Alert 54-15 allows officials to detain kratom imported as a dietary supplement or bulk ingredient.

Shipping Instead of Carrying

If you are relocating within the U.S. rather than traveling, ordering directly to your new address is often simpler than carrying product with you, provided kratom is legal there. Our shipping details page explains how orders are packed and sent, and our article on kratom shipping times and discreet packaging covers what to expect. Botanical Remedies does not ship to jurisdictions where kratom is prohibited.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring kratom on a plane?

TSA has no specific kratom rule, and supplements are allowed. Large powder amounts in carry-ons may get extra screening, and state law at your departure and arrival airports still applies.

Can I drive through a state where kratom is banned?

Possession in a ban state can be an offense even if you are only passing through. Plan routes to avoid ban states or leave kratom at home.

Can I take kratom abroad?

It is not recommended. Many countries ban kratom, and penalties can be severe.

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Confirm the rules for every place on your itinerary.

References

• TSA: What Can I Bring? (all items list)
• gov: Tennessee kratom ban effective 1 July 2026
• gov: kratom emergency order
• FDA Import Alert 54-15
• Wikipedia: Kratom (legal status by country)

One of the most common questions from new buyers is also one of the simplest: how old do you have to be to buy kratom? The short answer is that it depends on your state, but the clear trend in 2026 is 21 and older. This guide explains where age limits come from, how they differ, and what to expect when you order online.

There Is No Federal Minimum Age

Federal law does not set a minimum age for kratom, because kratom leaf is not a federally controlled substance and has no FDA-approved use. Age limits come from state laws, most often a state version of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), and sometimes from city or county ordinances. In states without a kratom law, retailers usually set their own age policies.

Why Most States Now Choose 21

Early consumer protection laws did not all agree on age. Utah's 2019 law, the first KCPA, set a minimum age of 18. Later laws increasingly set 21, in line with the federal minimum age for tobacco products. Examples of states that set 21 include:

• Florida, under its kratom consumer protection law.
• Rhode Island, under the licensing law that took effect on 1 April 2026.
• North Dakota, under HB 1628, signed on 4 September 2026.

Several other regulated states are also reported to set 21, while a few older laws still use 18. Because state laws are changing quickly, check your own state's statute or health department for the current figure.

Age Limits Do Not Apply in Ban States

Age only matters where kratom is legal to begin with. In states with full bans, including Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Vermont, Wisconsin, Louisiana, Connecticut, Kansas and Tennessee, and in Massachusetts under its 2026 emergency order, there is no age at which adults may legally buy it. Our 2026 state-by-state kratom law guide lists the details.

Our Policy: 21 and Older Everywhere We Ship

Botanical Remedies applies a single standard. Our terms and conditions state that only individuals who are 21 years of age or older and in good health may use kratom-containing products. We apply this even in states where the legal age is lower. A single 21+ standard is simple to follow, matches the direction of state law, and supports responsible use.

What to Expect When You Order Online

Online kratom sellers handle age requirements in several ways. You may be asked to confirm your age before entering the site, to provide a date of birth at checkout, or to pass an identity check. Some carriers or states may add further requirements over time. Providing accurate information protects you and keeps the order compliant. Before you order, also review our shipping details, since we do not ship to jurisdictions where kratom is prohibited.

Why Age Limits Matter

Kratom is not approved by the FDA for any medical use, and research on its effects is still developing. Age limits reflect the same caution applied to other adult products. For adults who choose kratom, responsible habits matter just as much. Our guide to safe and responsible kratom powder usage covers starting low, avoiding risky combinations and paying attention to how you respond. Anyone with a health condition, or who takes medication, should speak with a healthcare professional before using kratom.

Quick Summary

• There is no federal minimum age for kratom.
• Most state consumer protection laws passed in recent years set 21; some older ones set 18.
• In states with bans, kratom cannot be legally bought at any age.
• Botanical Remedies sells only to adults 21 and older.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can an 18-year-old buy kratom?

Only in places where state and local law allows 18 and the seller's policy permits it. Botanical Remedies requires customers to be 21 or older.

Do I need ID to buy kratom online?

It depends on the seller and the state. Expect to confirm your age at checkout, and be prepared for identity checks.

Is the age limit the same for capsules and powder?

Yes. Age laws apply to kratom products as a whole, regardless of format.

This article is for general information only and is not legal or medical advice.

References

• Utah SB 58 (2019), Kratom Consumer Protection Act
• Florida Senate bill analysis, SB 432 (2026)
• Rhode Island Department of Health: kratom licensing
• North Dakota Governor: HB 1628 signed

If you have read about kratom law, you have probably seen the letters KCPA. The Kratom Consumer Protection Act is not a single national law. It is a model framework that individual states adapt and pass in their own form. Its core idea is regulation instead of prohibition: keep natural kratom available to adults while setting rules that protect buyers from contaminated, mislabeled or adulterated products.

Where the KCPA Came From

The model was promoted by the American Kratom Association as an alternative to outright bans. Utah passed the first state KCPA in 2019. Since then the list has grown steadily, and according to the American Kratom Association, Delaware became the 22nd state with a consumer protection law in September 2026. Recent additions include Minnesota, South Carolina, Mississippi and South Dakota.

What a Typical KCPA Requires

Each state writes its own version, but most include the same building blocks. Utah's 2019 law, which many later laws followed, is a useful example:

• Minimum age: sales to minors are prohibited. Utah's original law set 18, while most newer laws, including Florida, Rhode Island and North Dakota, set 21.
• No adulteration: products may not be mixed with harmful non-kratom substances, including controlled substances.
• No synthetic alkaloids: synthetic mitragynine, synthetic 7-OH and other synthesized compounds are banned.
• 7-OH limits: Utah's original law capped 7-OH at 2% of the alkaloid fraction. Newer rules are stricter; Utah now caps it at 0.4% of total alkaloids and Rhode Island at 1%.
• Labeling: labels must disclose alkaloid content, such as mitragynine and 7-OH amounts, along with other product details.
• Registration or licensing: many states require products or sellers to be registered or licensed.
• Penalties: violations can bring fines, product seizure or misdemeanor charges. Utah's law set fines of up to $500 for a first offense and up to $1,000 for later ones.

The 2026 Shift Toward Stricter Rules

The newest consumer protection laws go further than the early versions. Rhode Island's kratom act, effective 1 April 2026, adds licensing, child-resistant packaging, health warnings and a cap of 150 mg of mitragynine per serving. North Dakota's HB 1628, signed on 4 September 2026, bans synthetic kratom and 7-OH and requires labels to show mitragynine and 7-OH levels from accredited labs. These laws reflect wider concern about concentrated 7-OH products, which federal regulators are also moving to control.

Is There a Federal KCPA?

Not yet. A Federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act was introduced in Congress in 2023 (S. 3039 and H.R. 5905). It would have limited how the FDA could regulate kratom and required a formal review, but neither bill was enacted. Federal action since then has focused on scheduling concentrated 7-OH and related compounds rather than creating a national consumer protection standard. In March 2026, a separate bill, the END 7-OH Act (H.R. 8000), was introduced to schedule synthetic 7-OH; at the time of writing it had been referred to committee.

What the KCPA Means for You as a Buyer

In a KCPA state, you should expect the product in front of you to meet certain minimum standards: an age check, a label that discloses what is inside, and testing that screens out contamination and adulteration. You can use those same standards to judge any vendor, wherever you live:

• Buy only if you meet the age requirement. Botanical Remedies sells only to adults 21 and older, as stated in our terms and conditions.
• Look for published third-party testing, such as our lab tests (COAs).
• Avoid synthetic or 7-OH-enhanced products.
• Check whether your state bans kratom entirely, using our state-by-state kratom law guide.

For more on how vendors demonstrate manufacturing standards, see our article on the AKA GMP certified kratom vendor program, and review our own quality process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the KCPA make kratom legal everywhere?

No. It only applies in states that pass it. States with bans are not affected by KCPA laws elsewhere.

What age does the KCPA set?

It depends on the state. Most recent laws set 21; some earlier laws set 18.

Does the KCPA allow 7-OH products?

KCPA laws limit 7-OH, and several newer state laws ban concentrated 7-OH products outright.

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Confirm the current law in your state.

References

• Utah SB 58 (2019), Kratom Consumer Protection Act
• Utah Attorney General: kratom testing requirements
• Rhode Island Department of Health: kratom licensing
• North Dakota Governor: HB 1628 signed
• Federal KCPA bill summary, S. 3039 (118th Congress)
• Bill status: H.R. 8000, END 7-OH Act (119th Congress)
• American Kratom Association news

Concentrated 7-OH products often sit on the same shelves, and appear in the same search results, as traditional kratom. Some are clearly labeled. Others use vague marketing that makes them hard to tell apart from natural leaf. Because the FDA, the DEA and several states now treat concentrated 7-OH as a separate and more serious category, it pays to know how to spot it. These six checks take less than a minute.

Check 1: Look at the Product Format

Natural kratom is usually sold as fine leaf powder or as capsules filled with that powder. Most concentrated 7-OH products come in different formats: pressed tablets, gummies, drink shots, dissolvable strips or small "pills" that look like candy or medication. The FDA's 2025 warning letters specifically named tablets, gummies, drink mixes and shots. A different format is not proof on its own, but it is a reason to read more closely.

Check 2: Read the Front of the Package

Many 7-OH products advertise it directly. Watch for these words and abbreviations:

• 7-OH, 7OH, 7-hydroxy or 7-hydroxymitragynine
• Pseudo, pseudoindoxyl or MGPI
• MGM-15 or MGM-16
• "Alkaloid enhanced," "semi-synthetic" or "advanced alkaloid"
• Brand names built around the number 7

Note that MGPI, MGM-15 and MGM-16 were temporarily placed in Schedule I on 26 August 2026, so any product naming them should be avoided entirely.

Check 3: Read the Ingredient List

A natural kratom product should list Mitragyna speciosa leaf, or leaf extract, and little else. Be cautious if the ingredient list names isolated alkaloids, lists 7-OH as an ingredient, or hides the formula behind a "proprietary blend." Undisclosed ingredients are a red flag in any botanical product.

Check 4: Look for Milligram Claims

Concentrated products often state how many milligrams of 7-OH each piece contains. Natural leaf simply does not carry meaningful 7-OH per serving. A 2025 study in the Journal of AOAC International found only about 0.003% to 0.04% 7-OH in post-harvest leaf, compared with 22 to 75 milligrams per gram in some 7-OH products. If a label promises a specific 7-OH dose, you are not looking at natural kratom.

Check 5: Compare the Alkaloids on the COA

The certificate of analysis gives the clearest answer. In natural leaf, mitragynine is the dominant alkaloid and 7-OH is a trace component. Regulators now publish specific limits that show where "trace" ends:

• The DEA's July 2026 proposal would schedule botanical kratom with more than 0.050% 7-OH by dry weight, or processed products with more than 1.00 mg per unit.
• Utah's testing rules cap 7-OH at 0.4% of total alkaloids.
• Rhode Island caps 7-OH at 1% of total alkaloids, 0.5 mg per gram and 1 mg per serving.

If a product has no COA, or the COA leaves out 7-OH, you cannot rule it out. Our guide on how to read a kratom third-party lab report before you buy explains the alkaloid panel in detail.

Check 6: Watch the Marketing

Claims about being "stronger than kratom," promises of specific effects, or comparisons to prescription drugs are warning signs. Responsible sellers describe effects as reported by users and avoid medical claims, because the FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use.

If a product fails any one of these checks, set it aside. Asking the seller for a batch COA, or choosing a clearly labeled natural leaf product instead, is always better than guessing.

What About Kratom Extracts?

Extracts concentrate the natural alkaloids of the leaf, mainly mitragynine, rather than 7-OH. Our Enhanced Kratom Extract Powder product page states that our extracts test between 10% and 12% mitragynine (MIT). For more background, read Kratom Extracts Explained: What Makes Them Different From Powder. Batch results are published on our lab tests (COAs) page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is every kratom tablet a 7-OH product?

Not necessarily, but most concentrated 7-OH items use tablet, gummy or shot formats. Check the label and COA.

Can natural kratom contain any 7-OH?

Yes, trace amounts can form after harvest. Natural leaf levels are far below the limits regulators have proposed.

What if the label does not mention 7-OH at all?

Ask for a batch COA. Without one, you cannot confirm the 7-OH level.

This article is for general information only and is not legal or medical advice.

References

• FDA warning letter example: 7Tabz Retail LLC (June 2025)
• Federal Register notice of intent on 7-OH (6 July 2026)
• Federal Register temporary order for MGPI, MGM-15 and MGM-16 (26 August 2026)
• Journal of AOAC International study (2025)
• Utah Attorney General: kratom testing requirements
• Rhode Island Department of Health: kratom licensing

A certificate of analysis, or COA, is the closest thing a kratom buyer has to an independent quality check. It is also one of the most misunderstood documents in the market. Some shoppers treat any COA as proof of quality, while others skip it because it looks too technical. The truth sits in between: a COA tells you specific, useful things, but only if it is genuine, current and matched to the product in your hands.

What a Kratom COA Is

A COA is a report from a testing laboratory that lists the results of analyses run on a sample from a specific production batch. For kratom, it usually covers identity, alkaloid content and contaminant screening. A good COA comes from a third-party lab with no financial stake in the result, which is what makes it more trustworthy than a vendor's own claims.

The Four Things a COA Can Tell You

• Identity: whether the sample is consistent with Mitragyna speciosa leaf, and not a different plant or a blend with undisclosed ingredients.
• Alkaloid content: the percentage of mitragynine and 7-OH. In natural leaf, mitragynine should be the dominant alkaloid, with 7-OH present only in trace amounts. A high 7-OH figure relative to mitragynine suggests a processed or enhanced product.
• Contaminant screening: results for heavy metals such as lead, arsenic, cadmium and mercury, and microbial tests such as Salmonella, E. coli, and yeast and mold.
• Pass or fail status: whether each result falls within the limits the lab or the applicable standard sets.

For a section-by-section walkthrough of those panels, see our guide on how to read a kratom third-party lab report before you buy.

How to Check That a COA Is Genuine

A COA is only as useful as it is authentic. Before trusting one, check these details:

• Lab name and contact details: a real report names the laboratory and gives a way to reach it. Many labs also print a verification code or QR code.
• Accreditation: look for ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation, the international standard for testing laboratories. Utah's kratom testing rules, for example, require an ISO/IEC 17025:2017 accredited third-party lab.
• Batch or lot number: the number on the COA should match the number on your package. A report for a different batch tells you nothing about your product.
• Dates: check the sample and report dates. Utah requires testing within six months before product registration, which is a useful benchmark for how current a report should be.
• Complete pages: redacted results, missing pages or cropped screenshots are warning signs.

What a COA Cannot Tell You

Even a perfect COA has limits. It describes one sample from one batch at one point in time. It cannot promise that every batch is identical, and it cannot show how a product was stored after testing. It only covers the tests that were actually run, so a report without a microbial panel says nothing about microbial safety. A COA also says nothing about how kratom will affect you. Effects described by users vary widely, and the FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use.

Common Red Flags

• The same COA is posted for several different products.
• No laboratory name, or a lab that cannot be found online.
• Results are listed without units or limits.
• The report is years old, or the batch number is missing.
• The vendor will not share COAs on request.

Where to Find Botanical Remedies COAs

Botanical Remedies publishes third-party results on our lab tests (COAs) page. Our quality page explains the five checks each batch goes through: identity, alkaloid testing, adulterant testing, heavy metals and biological safety. If you have a question about a specific batch, please contact us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every kratom product need a COA?

Requirements vary by state, but a COA from an independent lab is the clearest way for a buyer to verify quality. Several consumer protection laws now require accredited lab testing.

What should 7-OH look like on a natural kratom COA?

In natural leaf, 7-OH should appear only at trace levels, far below mitragynine. A high 7-OH result suggests a processed product.

Can a vendor make its own COA?

An in-house report is not independent. Look for a named third-party lab, ideally ISO/IEC 17025 accredited.

This article is for general information only and is not medical advice.

References

• Utah Attorney General: kratom testing requirements
• Federal Register notice on 7-OH levels in raw leaf (6 July 2026)
• FDA: laboratory analysis of kratom products for heavy metals

Kratom law in the United States changed more in 2025 and 2026 than in the previous decade. Several states added full bans, others replaced bans with licensing rules, and regulators drew a sharp line between natural kratom leaf and concentrated 7-OH products. This guide reflects the situation as of 23 September 2026. Because state rules are moving quickly, treat it as a starting point and confirm the current law where you live.

Federal Status: Legal but Unapproved

Kratom leaf is not a controlled substance under federal law. That does not mean it is federally endorsed. The FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use, and it treats kratom as an unapproved new dietary ingredient for import purposes. Federal enforcement in 2025 and 2026 has focused on concentrated 7-OH products and related semi-synthetic compounds rather than on natural leaf.

States With Full Kratom Bans in 2026

As of September 2026, kratom is banned statewide in the following states:

• Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Vermont and Wisconsin: long-standing bans that remain in force.
• Louisiana: ban effective 1 August 2025.
• Connecticut: kratom placed in Schedule I effective 25 March 2026.
• Kansas: ban effective 1 July 2026.
• Tennessee: ban effective 1 July 2026. Possession is a Class A misdemeanor and sale is a felony.
• Massachusetts: an emergency order placed all kratom in Schedule I from 28 August 2026 for up to one year.

States That Changed Direction

Not every change was a new ban. Several states moved toward regulation or narrower restrictions:

• Rhode Island replaced its ban with a licensing law effective 1 April 2026. Buyers must be 21 or older, and 7-OH content is capped.
• North Dakota enacted HB 1628 on 4 September 2026. It bans synthetic kratom and 7-OH and allows natural kratom for adults 21 and older under licensing, but sales remain on hold until state rules are in place.
• Ohio keeps natural kratom leaf legal but bans 7-OH and related compounds under a Board of Pharmacy rule effective May 2026.
• Kentucky has been widely reported to have passed a statewide sales ban effective 1 January 2027. Confirm the final status before relying on it.
• California's Department of Public Health declared in October 2025 that kratom and 7-OH food products are illegal to make or sell in the state.

Regulated States and the KCPA

Many states regulate kratom rather than ban it, usually through a version of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). These laws typically set a minimum age, require labeling, ban synthetic alkaloids and limit 7-OH. Utah passed the first KCPA in 2019. According to the American Kratom Association, Delaware became the 22nd state with a consumer protection law in September 2026, with Minnesota, South Carolina, Mississippi and South Dakota also among recent additions.

Local Bans Inside Legal States

State legality is only half the picture. Some cities and counties have their own rules. San Diego, California, and Sarasota County, Florida, are commonly cited examples, along with Union County, Mississippi. Denver, which is sometimes still listed, lifted its 2017 restriction shortly after adopting it. Always check your city and county ordinances as well as state law.

A Quick Checklist Before You Order

• Confirm your state has not banned kratom, and check for any local ordinance.
• Check the age requirement. Botanical Remedies sells only to adults 21 and older, as stated in our terms and conditions.
• Choose natural leaf products with published testing, such as those listed on our lab tests (COAs)
• Review our shipping details. Botanical Remedies does not ship to jurisdictions where kratom is prohibited, and checkout blocks restricted states automatically.

If you are new to kratom, browse our lab-tested kratom products once you have confirmed it is legal where you live.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is kratom legal federally in 2026?

Kratom leaf is not federally controlled, but the FDA has not approved it for any medical use. Federal scheduling action has focused on concentrated 7-OH and related compounds.

Which states banned kratom most recently?

Connecticut (March 2026), Kansas and Tennessee (July 2026) and Massachusetts (August 2026, temporary) are the newest statewide bans. Louisiana's ban began in August 2025.

Can I order kratom to a state where it is banned?

No. Shipping kratom into a state where it is prohibited is not allowed, and our checkout blocks those orders.

This article is for general information only and is not legal advice. Laws change often; confirm current rules with your state and local authorities.

References

• Connecticut DCP controlled substance changes (2026)
• Louisiana Department of Revenue: kratom penalties from 1 August 2025
• Johnson County, Kansas: 1 July 2026 kratom ban
• gov: Tennessee kratom ban effective 1 July 2026
• gov: kratom emergency order
• Rhode Island Department of Health: kratom licensing
• North Dakota Governor: HB 1628 signed
• California Department of Public Health: kratom and 7-OH (October 2025)
• American Kratom Association news

Few topics have changed the U.S. kratom market as quickly as 7-OH. Across 2025 and 2026, federal agencies and several states moved against concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine products, while traditional kratom leaf stayed legal in most of the country. For shoppers, the practical question is simple: what separates the two, and how can you be sure you are buying natural kratom rather than a concentrated 7-OH product? This guide answers that in plain terms, using public information from the FDA, the DEA and published research.

What 7-OH Actually Is

7-hydroxymitragynine, usually shortened to 7-OH, is one of the alkaloids associated with Mitragyna speciosa, the Southeast Asian tree whose leaves are sold as kratom. Researchers have identified more than 50 alkaloids in the plant. Mitragynine is the most abundant of them, while 7-OH appears only in small amounts.

A 2025 study in the Journal of AOAC International found no detectable 7-OH in fresh kratom leaf. In post-harvest leaf, the researchers measured roughly 0.003% to 0.04%, and described it as a byproduct of oxidation after harvest. The DEA's July 2026 Federal Register notice likewise describes 7-OH as making up less than 2% of total alkaloids in raw leaf.

How Concentrated 7-OH Products Are Different

The products regulators are targeting are not simply "strong kratom." They are tablets, gummies, drink shots and similar items that contain 7-OH at levels far above anything the leaf produces. The same AOAC study measured some of these products at 22 to 75 milligrams of 7-OH per gram, levels the authors said could only be reached by adding 7-OH or chemically converting other alkaloids.

Put simply, a concentrated 7-OH product is a processed, semi-synthetic item. Natural kratom powder and capsules are dried, ground leaf that carries the plant's own alkaloid profile.

What Federal Agencies Have Done

The federal timeline shows how clearly regulators separate the two categories:

• June 2025: the FDA issued warning letters to seven companies selling concentrated 7-OH products.
• 29 July 2025: the FDA recommended that the DEA schedule certain 7-OH products and stated that the action targets concentrated 7-OH, not natural kratom leaf.
• 6 July 2026: the DEA published a notice of intent to temporarily place 7-OH above a set threshold in Schedule I. The proposed threshold is more than 0.050% 7-OH by dry weight for botanical material, or more than 1.00 mg per unit for processed products.
• 26 August 2026: three related compounds (mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15 and MGM-16) were temporarily placed in Schedule I.

As of late September 2026, a final temporary scheduling order for 7-OH itself had not been published. Because this can change quickly, check the Federal Register for the latest status before relying on any summary, including this one.

State Action on 7-OH

Several states acted before Washington did. Florida's Attorney General used an emergency rule in August 2025 to place concentrated 7-OH in Schedule I. Ohio adopted a permanent Board of Pharmacy rule in May 2026 that bans 7-OH and related compounds while leaving natural leaf legal. Rhode Island now caps 7-OH levels under its licensing law, and North Dakota's 2026 law bans 7-OH products while allowing natural kratom for adults. Our 2026 state-by-state kratom law guide covers the states where kratom is banned outright.

How to Make Sure You Are Buying Natural Kratom

A few simple habits separate natural leaf products from concentrated 7-OH items:

• Read the ingredients. A natural product lists kratom leaf (Mitragyna speciosa) and nothing else.
• Be cautious with tablets, gummies or shots that advertise 7-OH, list milligrams of 7-OH per piece, or promise "alkaloid enhanced" formulas.
• Check the certificate of analysis. A natural product shows mitragynine as the dominant alkaloid, with 7-OH at trace levels.
• Buy from vendors that publish testing. Botanical Remedies posts third-party lab tests (COAs) and explains its quality and testing process, which covers alkaloids, adulterants, heavy metals and microbial safety.

Our kratom powder and kratom capsules are made from dried, ground leaf. For a closer look at the plant's chemistry, read Unlocking the Mysteries of Kratom Alkaloids.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 7-OH the same thing as kratom?

No. 7-OH is one alkaloid linked to the kratom plant, and natural leaf contains it only in trace amounts. Concentrated 7-OH products are processed items that regulators treat separately from leaf.

Does the DEA's proposed 7-OH scheduling affect natural kratom?

The DEA has said botanical kratom with naturally occurring 7-OH below the proposed threshold is not affected. State and local laws still apply, so check where you live.

Has the FDA approved kratom or 7-OH?

No. The FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use, and there are no FDA-approved 7-OH drugs.

This article is for general information only and is not legal or medical advice. Laws change often; confirm current rules before you buy.

References

• HHS: FDA recommends scheduling of 7-OH products (29 July 2025)
• DEA press release on temporary scheduling of 7-OH and related substances (1 July 2026)
• Federal Register notice of intent on 7-OH (6 July 2026)
• Federal Register temporary order for MGPI, MGM-15 and MGM-16 (26 August 2026)
• Journal of AOAC International study on 7-OH in leaf and products (2025)
• Ohio Board of Pharmacy kratom notice