Virginia Lawmakers Propose Kratom Ban Despite Evidence

Experts warn that a proposed ban on kratom products could have unintended consequences for Virginians seeking harm reduction.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

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The Virginia General Assembly is considering a bill, House Bill 360, that would ban certain kratom products in the state. Kratom is a natural substance used by millions of Americans for pain management and opioid withdrawal treatment. However, the bill is based on misinformation, according to experts who say there is no evidence of a public health crisis around kratom or its active compound 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). They argue that a ban would drive the market underground and put consumers at greater risk, rather than improving public health.

Why it matters

Kratom has been available in Virginia since 2016 and is used by many residents for harm reduction purposes, such as managing opioid withdrawal symptoms. Experts say a ban on kratom products would have significant negative effects, as it would create a black market for unregulated and potentially dangerous products, and force consumers to turn to even deadlier substances like fentanyl.

The details

House Bill 360 would ban the sale of certain kratom products in Virginia, including those containing the compound 7-OH. However, research shows that kratom and 7-OH have a very low risk of adverse effects, with only 82 reported adverse events out of over 1.5 billion servings consumed. The bill is being presented as consumer protection, but experts argue that reasonable regulations, such as age limits, labeling requirements, and testing standards, would be a more constructive approach than an outright ban.

  • The Virginia General Assembly is considering House Bill 360 this week.
  • Kratom has been available in Virginia since at least 2016.

The players

House Bill 360

A bill proposed in the Virginia General Assembly that would ban the sale of certain kratom products, including those containing the compound 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).

Mario H. Lopez

The president of the Hispanic Leadership Fund, a public policy advocacy organization that promotes liberty, opportunity, and prosperity for all.

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What they’re saying

“The point of contention involves 7-hydroxymitragynine (commonly referred to as '7-OH'), an organic compound derived from the kratom plant itself. 7-OH products are available as concentrates in certain products, just as kratom is.”

— Mario H. Lopez, President, Hispanic Leadership Fund (pilotonline.com)

“The reality is that bans do not work. Politicians cannot make substances disappear with legislation. Instead, the result will be a black market that will feature unregulated and untested products, incentivize criminal activity to meet the demand, and turn everyday consumers into lawbreakers.”

— Mario H. Lopez, President, Hispanic Leadership Fund (pilotonline.com)

What’s next

Governor Abigail Spanberger will decide whether to veto House Bill 360 if it passes the Virginia General Assembly.

The takeaway

Experts argue that a measured, evidence-based approach to regulating kratom, including age limits, labeling requirements, and testing standards, would be a more constructive way to address public health concerns than an outright ban that could drive the market underground and put consumers at greater risk.