Rhode Island Becomes First State to Legalize Kratom

The psychoactive plant can now be sold by licensed businesses in the state.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 6:06pm

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A highly detailed, translucent X-ray photograph showing the internal structure of a kratom leaf, with its veins and cellular components glowing against a dark background, conveying the complex nature of this psychoactive plant.The legalization of kratom in Rhode Island opens up new possibilities for the plant's use as a self-treatment option, though concerns remain about the lack of scientific research.Providence Today

Rhode Island has become the first state in the country to overturn its ban on the sale and distribution of kratom, a psychoactive plant used to self-treat conditions like pain, opioid withdrawal, and anxiety. Businesses can now start applying for licenses to sell and distribute kratom to people aged 21 and older, though it's unclear when the first licenses will be issued and when the product will be available for purchase.

Why it matters

The legalization of kratom in Rhode Island is a significant development, as the substance has been the subject of debate and legislative history in the state. While some have pushed back on the legalization, citing the need for more research, the state's decision to overturn the ban reflects a growing acceptance of kratom as a potential treatment option for certain conditions.

The details

Under the new law, retailers will have to go through training similar to what's already in place for tobacco products. The law also bans a synthetic form of kratom known as 7-OH, which federal health officials warn is addictive like opioids and more dangerous than morphine. Some lawmakers, like Rep. Michelle McGaw, have expressed concerns about the legalization of kratom without more scientific research, and are pushing for additional safety measures, such as requiring the product to be stored behind locked cabinets.

  • The new law went into effect on April 3, 2026.
  • Businesses can now start applying for licenses to sell and distribute kratom.

The players

Mac Haddow

Senior fellow on public policy for the American Kratom Association, an organization that has been advocating for the legalization of kratom in Rhode Island.

Michelle McGaw

A state representative in Portsmouth, Rhode Island, who is also a pharmacist. She has expressed concerns about the legalization of kratom without more scientific research and is pushing for additional safety measures.

Rhode Island Department of Health

The state agency that will be responsible for overseeing the licensing and regulation of kratom sales in Rhode Island.

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What they’re saying

“The average kratom consumer is someone like me … OK, maybe a little younger. It really deals with the normal stresses of daily life and the aches and pains related to it.”

— Mac Haddow, Senior fellow on public policy for the American Kratom Association

“Without clean scientific trials, without going through a drug approval process, I'm not comfortable having a drug that works directly on the opioid receptors.”

— Michelle McGaw, State Representative, Pharmacist

“I hope that they don't try to block access of citizens to kratom products, but rather look at it as to what is a safely formulated, properly labeled and gated product that's available to Rhode Island citizens.”

— Mac Haddow, Senior fellow on public policy for the American Kratom Association

What’s next

It's unclear when the first licenses will be issued and when kratom will be available for purchase in Rhode Island. The state's Department of Health will be responsible for overseeing the licensing and regulation of kratom sales.

The takeaway

The legalization of kratom in Rhode Island marks a significant shift in the ongoing debate around the substance. While some lawmakers remain concerned about the lack of scientific research, the state's decision to overturn the ban reflects a growing acceptance of kratom as a potential treatment option for certain conditions. The implementation of the new law will be closely watched, as Rhode Island becomes the first state to navigate the regulation and sale of this psychoactive plant.