Last reviewed: October 27, 2026. Kratom laws change quickly — confirm current rules with official state sources before buying, carrying or traveling with kratom. This page is general information, not legal advice.
Short answer: It is complicated. California has not scheduled kratom as a controlled substance, but the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has stated that food and dietary supplements containing kratom or 7-OH are illegal to sell or manufacture in the state. Several cities also ban kratom sales, and a bill to create a regulated framework is still pending.
CDPH’s October 2025 position
In October 2025, CDPH announced that foods and dietary supplements containing kratom or 7-OH are illegal to sell or manufacture in California, advised consumers to avoid these products, and said it would work to remove them from the market. CDPH’s action is based on food and drug safety law rather than the state’s controlled substances schedule, and it focuses on sale and manufacture rather than personal possession.
In practice, this means many retailers in California have pulled kratom products, while enforcement has varied by product type and location.
AB 1088: the pending regulation bill
Assembly Bill 1088 would create a regulatory framework for kratom in California. As introduced and amended, it would:
- Restrict sales of kratom and 7-OH products to people 21 and older.
- Ban most concentrated 7-OH products.
- Require child-resistant packaging and prohibit products designed to appeal to children.
The bill was referred to the Senate Health Committee in June 2025 and had not become law as of this update.
City bans
Several California cities prohibit kratom sales locally, including San Diego, Oceanside and Newport Beach. Local ordinances can be stricter than state rules, so check your city’s municipal code.
Federal context
Federally, kratom leaf is not scheduled. In August 2026 the DEA temporarily placed three synthetic 7-OH-related compounds in Schedule I, and an order covering concentrated 7-OH itself is pending. See Kratom vs. 7-OH.
Frequently asked questions
Is kratom banned in California?
Kratom is not a controlled substance under California law, but the California Department of Public Health says foods and dietary supplements containing kratom or 7-OH cannot legally be sold or manufactured in the state, and several cities ban kratom sales.
Is kratom legal in San Diego?
No. The City of San Diego prohibits kratom locally, as do Oceanside and Newport Beach.
Is there a kratom age limit in California?
Not in current state law. Pending bill AB 1088 would set a minimum age of 21 if enacted.
Kratom laws in other states: Florida · Texas · New York · Pennsylvania · Ohio · Georgia · Tennessee · Michigan · North Carolina
Stay current: see the Kratom Law Tracker for every recent change.
Related: Kratom laws in all 50 states · Kratom vs. 7-OH · The Kratom Consumer Protection Act
Sources
- CalMatters Digital Democracy: AB 1088 Public health: kratom
- Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney: Kratom & 7-OH Update
- KRCR: California health officials push ban on sale of kratom products
Kratom Universe publishes independent educational information. Nothing on this site is medical or legal advice. Kratom is not approved by the FDA to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Talk with a healthcare provider before using kratom, and check your state and local laws. If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use, call SAMHSA’s free, confidential National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.
