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Michigan Lawmakers Propose Statewide Kratom Ban
Russ Survance
Wed, 25 Feb 2026 11:27:17 EST
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Michigan legislators have introduced new legislation that would prohibit the sale and cultivation of kratom across the state. The proposal, House Bill 5537, would classify kratom and its synthetic forms as illegal substances.
Under the bill, violators could face jail time and substantial fines. A first offense may result in up to three months in jail and a fine of as much as $5,000, while repeat offenses could carry harsher penalties, including longer jail sentences and higher fines. Selling kratom to minors would be punishable by up to one year in jail.
The measure would revise Michigan's longstanding penal code and reflects growing concerns over the safety of kratom. Federal authorities have warned that the substance may lead to psychological effects and dependency. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has not approved kratom for medical use and considers it a substance of concern.
Several other states have already enacted similar bans, although some have later reversed their decisions. Lawmakers say the proposal is intended to address public health risks associated with kratom use.
