Marina
Two Midwestern states—Missouri and Kansas—are taking major steps toward regulating kratom and its more potent compound, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).
As kratom use expands nationwide, concerns about safety, labeling, product purity, and youth access have pushed lawmakers to revisit existing policies.
The lack of strict guidelines, especially regarding stronger derivatives like 7-OH, has left a regulatory gap that state officials now aim to close.
The renewed push comes as communities report an increase in mislabeling, potentially contaminated products, and unregulated retail sales, raising fears about consumer protection and public health.
Why Kratom and 7-OH Are on Lawmakers’ Radar
Kratom, an herbal product commonly used for pain relief, mood support, and opioid withdrawal symptoms, remains legal in most U.S. states.
However, the compound 7-OH, which is naturally found in kratom in very small amounts, can be significantly stronger when extracted or concentrated.
The main concerns include:
- Unregulated potency levels
- Lack of child-proof packaging
- No mandatory product testing
- Inconsistent labeling across retailers
- Youth access in gas stations and convenience stores
Both Missouri and Kansas have seen increased reports of adverse reactions, prompting renewed legislative attention in 2025.
Current Regulations vs. Proposed Rules
Missouri already passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) in recent years, but enforcement gaps remain. Kansas currently has no statewide protections, though some counties have restricted sales.
Below is a comparison of the states’ current rules and proposed changes:
Kratom & 7-OH Regulation Overview in Missouri and Kansas
| State | Current Status | Proposed Changes (2025) | Key Goals |
|---|---|---|---|
| Missouri | KCPA in place; basic age limits; limited testing requirements | Mandatory lab testing, ban on synthetic 7-OH, stronger penalties for selling to minors | Improve safety, stop adulterated products |
| Kansas | No statewide regulations; open retail availability | Full Kratom Consumer Protection Act, age limit 21+, product purity standards | Prevent youth access, ensure quality |
| Both States | No specific limits on 7-OH derivatives | Regulate or ban high-potency extracts; enforce labeling rules | Control potency, increase transparency |
What Lawmakers Are Proposing in 2025
Missouri
Missouri legislators are pushing to:
- Require testing for contaminants like heavy metals and adulterants
- Enforce accurate labeling of mitragynine and 7-OH levels
- Restrict synthetic or highly concentrated 7-OH extracts
- Strengthen penalties for retailers who sell kratom to anyone under 18
The goal is to ensure that consumers receive clean, clearly labeled, and non-adulterated kratom products.
Kansas
Kansas is moving toward a statewide regulatory framework for the first time, with new proposals including:
- Setting the legal purchasing age at 21+
- Requiring batch testing and certificates of analysis
- Removing products with high concentrations of 7-OH
- Mandating child-proof packaging and warning labels
With kratom currently sold freely at gas stations, vape shops, and mini-marts, Kansas lawmakers say these changes are essential for public health and consumer safety.
Why 7-OH Is a Bigger Concern
The compound 7-hydroxymitragynine occurs naturally in kratom but is extremely potent in concentrated form—estimated to be several times stronger than regular kratom alkaloids.
Because 7-OH products are rarely labeled, lawmakers fear:
- Hidden potency
- Higher chance of overdose
- Increased dependence risks
- Misuse by inexperienced users
- Lack of medical guidance for consumers
This is why both states want specific rules targeting extracts and enhanced products.
Missouri and Kansas are taking decisive action in 2025 to address the weak and inconsistent regulations surrounding kratom and 7-OH derivatives.
By implementing testing standards, age restrictions, labeling requirements, and controls on potent extracts, both states aim to create safer marketplaces while preserving adult access to kratom.
As kratom continues to grow in popularity, these updated laws signal a broader movement toward responsible regulation, consumer protection, and public transparency.