Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has expanded the state’s list of restricted drugs, ensuring a specific Kratom ban signed into law by Kansas Governor Laura Kelly targets potent derivatives of the plant. By signing House Bill 2365, the governor has officially amended the Uniform Controlled Substances Act to move 7-OH kratom-related substances into the most restrictive category of controlled substances.
The move places 7-hydroxymitragynine—a potent alkaloid found in kratom—into Schedule I. Under the Kansas Uniform Controlled Substances Act, Schedule I is reserved for drugs deemed to have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States.
Governor Kelly framed the decision as a precautionary measure, citing the need for rigorous scientific validation before the substance can be viewed as safe for public consumption. The administration is effectively deferring to federal guidance while the state implements its own safeguards.
“The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is in the process of determining whether kratom is a safe and effective means of treating certain medical conditions,” Kelly said. “Until such a time as quality scientific reviews determine positive impacts and minimal health risks, It’s wise to safeguard the health of Kansans.”
Targeting 7-OH and Synthetic Derivatives
While kratom has been used for years as a herbal supplement, the rise of concentrated derivatives like 7-OH (7-hydroxymitragynine) has drawn increased scrutiny from regulators. Unlike the raw leaf, these concentrated forms are often marketed for more intense effects, raising concerns about addiction and overdose.
The legislation does more than just restrict kratom derivatives. It represents a broader effort to keep Kansas law aligned with the evolving landscape of synthetic drugs and pharmaceutical approvals. The bill adds a wide array of dangerous synthetics to the Schedule I list, including 11 different opioids or synthetic opioids and various fentanyl-related substances that were not previously listed or exempted in other schedules.
the law now restricts other synthetic compounds known to mimic the effects of cannabis or stimulants, including ethylphenidate, hexahydrocannabinol (a derivative of Delta 9), and the synthetic cannabinoid CUMYL-PEGACLONE.
Updating Pharmaceutical Classifications
Not all changes in House Bill 2365 are restrictive in the same way. The legislation also updates Schedule IV, which is designated for drugs with a low potential for abuse and low potential for dependence. This update includes the addition of Zuranolone.
Zuranolone is a prescription medication recently approved by the FDA specifically to treat postpartum depression. By placing it in Schedule IV, the state acknowledges its medical utility while maintaining a level of oversight to prevent misuse.
The following table summarizes the primary changes made to the state’s controlled substance schedules under the fresh law:
| Substance / Group | New Designation | Primary Classification |
|---|---|---|
| 7-OH Kratom substances | Schedule I | High abuse potential; no accepted medical use |
| Synthetic Opioids & Fentanyl analogs | Schedule I | High abuse potential; no accepted medical use |
| Synthetic Cannabinoids (e.g., CUMYL-PEGACLONE) | Schedule I | High abuse potential; no accepted medical use |
| Zuranolone | Schedule IV | Low abuse potential; medical use approved |
What This Means for Kansans
For the average consumer, the most immediate impact will be felt in the retail market for kratom products. While raw kratom leaf regulations vary, the specific ban on 7-OH derivatives means that products explicitly containing or concentrated with this alkaloid are now illegal to possess or sell under state law.
Public health officials have long debated the role of kratom, with some users claiming it helps with opioid withdrawal and others warning of its addictive properties. By waiting for the FDA’s safety reviews, Kansas is taking a “wait-and-observe” approach that prioritizes the prevention of new addiction trends over the immediate availability of unregulated supplements.
The inclusion of fentanyl-related substances further underscores the state’s urgency in combating the ongoing opioid crisis. By broadening the definition of controlled opioids, law enforcement gains more tools to prosecute the distribution of “designer drugs” that are chemically altered to bypass older laws.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or medical advice. For specific guidance on drug laws or medical treatments, please consult a licensed attorney or healthcare provider.
As the law takes effect, the next phase will involve the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and local law enforcement updating their seizure and prosecution guidelines to reflect the new Schedule I designations. The state will likely continue to monitor FDA announcements regarding the formal status of kratom and its alkaloids to determine if future amendments to the Controlled Substances Act are necessary.
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