Reynolds calls for a ‘total ban’ on kratom and synthetic variants in Iowa

Gov. Kim Reynolds joined state law enforcement and public health officials Tuesday in warning Iowans of the risks associated with kratom and its newer, synthetic variants.

Kratom is typically marketed as a natural or herbal supplement for pain and anxiety, and is commonly sold in liquid, capsule and powdered form at gas stations and convenience stories.

At Tuesday’s press conference, Reynolds and others stressed that the product’s availability does not equate to safety.

“Kratom is not a supplement, it is not a medicine, and it is not safe,” Reynolds said. “These products are widely accessible, often sitting on shelves in gas stations and convenience stores, and many Iowans may not realize the serious risks they pose.”

Kratom contains psychoactive compounds, including 7‑hydroxymitragynine, or 7‑OH, that act on opioid receptors in the brain. Dr. Robert Kruse, the state medical director at Iowa’s Department of Health and Human Services, cited growing concerns about concentrated and synthetic 7‑OH products that are now flooding the market.

“Concentrated and synthetic 7-OH products can have powerful opioid-like effects and pose serious health risks,” Kruse said. “The fact that these products are sold over the counter does not mean they are safe. They can lead to dependence, severe illness, overdose and death.”

Reynolds and Kruse said there have been 45 kratom‑associated deaths in Iowa that have been confirmed since 2024. Sixteen of those deaths occurred in the first seven months of 2026, they said, and Iowa Poison Control has received 68 calls so far this year related to kratom exposure.

On Aug. 26, 2026, the federal Drug Enforcement Administration classified three synthetic kratom‑derived compounds — mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM‑15 and MGM‑16 — as Schedule I controlled substances. In addition, 7‑OH is currently under review for emergency classification as a Schedule I controlled substance.

DPS Commissioner Stephan Bayens urged Iowa retailers to closely review the specific products on their shelves, as any reliance on packaging claims could lead to the illegal sale of controlled substances.

Kruse and Reynolds indicated Iowa DHHS intends to expand its statewide public awareness  campaign to include new messaging about the dangers of kratom and synthetic 7‑OH. In addition, they said, the Iowa Board of Pharmacy is currently considering emergency rules to address the issue.

Reynolds: ‘I do want to see a total ban.’ 

Earlier this year, the Iowa House passed, in 69-26 vote, House File 2133, a bill that would have designated kratom products — including both substances made from the Mitragyna speciosa plant and its synthetic equivalents — as Schedule I hallucinogenic substances.

Under that legislation, people found possessing kratom would have faced a serious misdemeanor charge for their first offense, an aggravated misdemeanor for their second and a Class D felony charge for subsequent offenses.

However, the Senate version of the bill, Senate File 2192, never made it to the floor for a vote, so the products — excluding those recently classified by the DEA as Schedule I substances — remain legal for both sale and possession.

At Tuesday’s press event, Reynolds was asked why she didn’t push for passage of the Senate bill before the Iowa Legislature adjourned.

“You’re assuming we didn’t,” she said. “We did. I think this was something I supported, I was in favor of.”

She later said she had voiced her support for the measure in discussions with senators but wasn’t certain as to why they didn’t bring the legislation to the floor for a vote. “I did support it, and I don’t think that would be surprising considering my track record on illegal substances,” she said.

During the 2026 session, Rep. Ray Sorensen, R-Creston, introduced an amendment to the House bill that would have limited dosage amounts and implemented age restrictions, labeling and testing requirements for kratom products. He said such changes, by regulating rather than banning kratom, would “do more to protect Iowans than placing kratom into Schedule I (status) and pushing the entire market underground.”

“Prohibition removes safety controls,” Sorensen said at the time. “Right now kratom remains legal — products can be tested, labels can be required, age restrictions can be enforced. (If) it becomes Schedule I, the legal market disappears. Products move to black markets, there’s zero testing, there’s no consumer protection. For concerns of safety, banning the product entirely may actually make it less safe.”

Sorensen’s amendment failed in a 44-51 vote.

Reynolds said Tuesday she continues to support a total ban on not only the natural kratom products but also their synthetic spin-offs. “I do want to see a total ban,” she said, “otherwise it’s just too easy to skirt around it and we’re dealing with the same thing… I would advocate for a total ban.”

Kruse encouraged Iowans to familiarize themselves with the signs of an opioid-type of overdose and to call 911 and, when necessary, use naloxone to rapidly reverse the effects of such an overdose. For non‑emergency concerns about adverse reactions, he said, Iowans can call Iowa Poison Control at 1‑800‑222‑1222.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration warns kratom consumption can lead to addiction, and that “several cases of psychosis resulting from use of kratom have been reported.” Additionally, medical institutions like the Mayo Clinic state kratom use has resulted in side effects such as liver damage, high blood pressure and weight loss.