Iowa House Committee Advances Bill to Ban Kratom

Proposed legislation would prohibit sale of plant-based stimulant linked to safety concerns

Published on Feb. 3, 2026

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The Iowa House is considering a bill that would ban the sale of kratom, a plant-based stimulant sold at some gas stations and vape shops in the state. Supporters of the legislation cite health and safety risks, including links to violent behavior and overdose deaths. However, some advocates argue that natural kratom should remain legal, noting its historical use for pain relief in Southeast Asia.

Why it matters

The debate over kratom regulation highlights the challenges of balancing public health concerns with individual liberty. As a relatively new substance in the U.S., kratom's legal status remains in flux, with some states moving to restrict its sale while others maintain its legality.

The details

The proposed bill would prohibit the sale of kratom, which is typically made from crushed leaves that are brewed as tea or sold in powder or pill form. A synthetic version of the substance has also emerged. State officials say kratom has been smuggled into Iowa prisons and linked to violent behavior among some inmates. However, an attorney representing a research group argues that the natural botanical version of kratom should remain legal, noting its historical use for pain relief in Southeast Asia.

  • The Iowa House is currently considering the bill to ban kratom.

The players

Sheldon Bradshaw

An attorney representing the Scientific Association for Botanical Education and Research, which supports banning synthetic kratom but opposes prohibiting the natural botanical version.

Iowa Office of Drug Control

The state agency that has identified 92 cases where the primary compound in kratom contributed to a death, with most occurring before the synthetic version became available.

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What they’re saying

“Kratom has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia for pain relief and should remain legal in Iowa.”

— Sheldon Bradshaw, Attorney (radioonthego.com)

“The state medical examiner has identified 92 cases in which the primary compound in kratom contributed to a death, with most occurring before the synthetic version became available.”

— Iowa Office of Drug Control (radioonthego.com)

What’s next

The Iowa House will continue to debate and consider the proposed legislation to ban kratom.

The takeaway

The debate over kratom regulation highlights the complex balance between public health concerns and individual liberty. As a relatively new substance in the U.S., the legal status of kratom remains in flux, with some states moving to restrict its sale while others maintain its legality.