Connecticut has officially banned kratom and related substances. On February 24, 2026, the Connecticut Legislative Regulation Review Committee unanimously approved regulations designating kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and its derivatives, including 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), as Schedule I controlled substances.
The law takes effect on March 25, 2026, making it illegal to possess, sell, or distribute kratom anywhere in the state. State regulators are urging immediate compliance to avoid fines, license penalties, or criminal charges.
Kratom Now Classified as a Schedule I Controlled Substance
The Legislative Regulation Review Committee recently approved regulations to designate the following substances as Schedule I Controlled Substances:
Newly Scheduled Substances Include:
- Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa)
- 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH)
- Bromazolam
- Flubromazolam
- Nitazenes (including isotonitazene)
- Tianeptine
- Phenibut
Requirements for Businesses
The Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection (DCP) has directed all businesses to remove affected products from inventory and stop sales before March 25, 2026. Retailers, wholesalers, and distributors must arrange for product return or compliant destruction.
Businesses should:
- Audit inventory for prohibited substances
- Remove and isolate affected products immediately
- Arrange for return or compliant destruction before March 25, 2026
Non-compliance may result in fines, license penalties, or criminal charges.
What This Means for Residents
After March 25, 2026, possession of kratom and related substances is illegal, even for individuals who purchased it legally in the past. Potential consequences include:
- Possession charges with fines or jail time
- Sale or distribution charges, which may reach felony level
- Manufacturing or trafficking allegations, depending on quantity and intent
Public Health Perspective
Officials emphasized the risk to children and young people. These substances have been widely available without regulation, testing, or public health protections. Agencies plan to educate local law enforcement on removing these products and support those affected by addiction.
Representative Christie Carpino, co-chair of the Legislative Regulation Review Committee stated:
“Kratom is dangerous to our kids. It doesn’t belong in places where they can easily access or obtain it. Today we took a bipartisan vote to keep it away from children and others unaware of the harm it can cause.”
Representative Mary Welander, ranking member of the Legislative Regulation Review Committee said:
“Today’s vote to classify kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance was a difficult but necessary step to protect public health, especially the safety of children and young people who should not have legal access to a highly potent and unregulated drug.”
Key Takeaways
- Businesses and residents must act quickly to comply with the law
- Possession after March 25, 2026 may result in criminal charges
- Immediate removal or disposal of affected products is required to avoid penalties
