wdayradionow.com · September 4, 2026
Armstrong applauds legislation banning synthetic kratom, restricting natural kratom sales to 21 and over | WDAY Radio - AM 970 and FM 93.1
# Armstrong applauds legislation banning synthetic kratom, restricting natural kratom sales to 21 and over
- by Chris Larson - September 4, 2026 - 12:10 pm - Featured Stories, Local News, News
Governor Kelly Armstrong, center, speaks at a press conference / Photo credit: Governor Kelly Armstrong
BISMARCK, N.D. — North Dakota lawmakers have passed legislation that completely bans synthetic kratom products while placing strict age and labeling restrictions on natural kratom.
Gov. Kelly Armstrong announced he will sign amended House Bill 1628 following its final passage on Friday morning, which concluded a three-day special legislative session. The measure bans the sale, possession, and use of synthetic kratom derivatives—including 7-OH, MGM-15, MGM-16, and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl.
While the governor indicated he initially preferred a full ban on all kratom, he praised the legislature’s quick action.
“This is a victory for public health and safety, keeping dangerous synthetic kratom products off the shelves and protecting our young people from the adverse and unknown long-term effects of natural kratom,” Armstrong said.
Under HB 1628, natural kratom cannot be sold to anyone under 21 years old. The bill mandates truth-in-labeling requirements that require testing by an state-approved accredited lab to display exact amounts of mitragynine and 7-OH. Additionally, packaging cannot mimic candy or be marketed to appeal to children. Retailers must obtain an annual license from the Attorney General’s Office to sell natural kratom, with unlicensed sales classified as a Class B misdemeanor.
Despite the bill’s passage, the sale of all kratom products remains temporarily prohibited statewide until official administrative rules are implemented. Once signed, the new law will replace an Aug. 3 executive order that declared a public health emergency and temporarily banned all kratom sales.
North Dakota joins nine other states that have banned kratom products, citing warnings from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration regarding potential risks such as liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder.
State officials highlighted available resources for individuals struggling with kratom addiction, noting that support is accessible through the state’s Behavioral Health Division at hhs.nd.gov, state-operated clinics, or by calling the 24/7 988 hotline.