Regulation · 12 min read ·
Where Are Kratom, 7-OH & Cat's Claw Banned in 2026?
A source-linked July 2026 guide to U.S. statewide and local kratom bans, rapidly changing 7-OH rules, international controls, and why cat's claw is a different botanical.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What states ban kratom in 2026?
- As of July 24, 2026, nine states have statewide bans covering kratom leaf or mitragynine: Alabama, Arkansas, Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Tennessee, Vermont, and Wisconsin. Local bans also exist inside some otherwise-legal states.
- Is 7-OH federally illegal right now?
- Not yet under the federal Controlled Substances Act as of July 24, 2026. DEA published a notice of intent to temporarily place concentrated 7-hydroxymitragynine and related substances in Schedule I; an effective temporary order may be published on or after August 5, 2026. Separately, FDA says 7-OH cannot lawfully be added to conventional foods or marketed as a dietary-supplement ingredient.
- Is cat's claw banned in the United States?
- We found no blanket federal or statewide controlled-substance ban on cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) in our July 24, 2026 review. Cat's claw is a different Amazonian botanical, not kratom. That does not establish medical efficacy or guarantee that every product, claim, or shipment is lawful.
- Is kratom banned internationally?
- Kratom is prohibited, scheduled, or tightly controlled in a number of countries, including Australia, Denmark, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, and Sweden. The United Kingdom prohibits production, supply, import, and export under the Psychoactive Substances Act, while simple possession is generally treated differently. Rules and penalties vary by country.
- Can I travel with kratom or 7-OH?
- Only after checking the law at your origin, every transit point, your destination, and any international border. A product that is lawful at home can still be seized or expose you to penalties elsewhere. Do not assume an airport connection or mailed parcel is exempt.
- Why do online kratom ban lists disagree?
- Many lists still show the old six-state lineup and miss 2025-2026 changes. Rhode Island legalized regulated adult sales, Louisiana imposed a ban, and Connecticut, Kansas, and Tennessee added bans in 2026. Some lists also mix natural leaf, concentrated 7-OH, sales restrictions, and local ordinances as though they were the same rule.