North Dakota House and Senate Clash Over Kratom Ban

The North Dakota Legislature is divided over the legal status of kratom following a state of emergency declared by Governor Kelly Armstrong. Armstrong implemented a temporary 30-day ban on all kratom products, citing a public health crisis involving 24 deaths linked to the substance since 2021.

During a special session in Bismarck, the North Dakota House of Representatives passed House Bill 1628 in an 86-6 vote. This legislation would regulate natural-leaf kratom through licensing, labeling standards, and a minimum purchase age of 21. In contrast, the North Dakota Senate passed Senate Bill 2408 in a 46-1 vote, which would implement a total ban on both natural kratom and synthetic derivatives, such as 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH).

Lawmakers and advocates remain split on the approach. Supporters of regulation argue the plant helps manage chronic pain and opioid sobriety, while proponents of a total ban describe the drug as highly addictive and dangerous. Both bills now move to the opposite chambers for further consideration.