Is Kratom Still Legal in Florida? What Changed in 2025
Kratom is still legal in Florida but one of its most powerful compounds, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), is now banned. As of August 14, 2025, Florida made it a felony to sell, possess, or distribute 7-OH, placing it in the same category as heroin and LSD. The order took effect immediately, and officials say enforcement is already underway.
The move has left many Floridians asking: What exactly is 7-OH? Why did the ban happen so suddenly? And what can you legally use instead?
Kratom vs. 7-OH
The kratom leaf (Mitragyna speciosa) is still legal for adults 21 and over. But 7-OH — a naturally occurring alkaloid found in tiny amounts in kratom, is a different story.
The version now banned in Florida is concentrated or synthetically enhanced 7-OH, which officials say is far more potent than anything found in nature. In recent years, it’s appeared in drinks, gummies, powders, and capsules, often marketed for pain relief or energy.
Officials warn that concentrated 7-OH acts on the brain in a way similar to opioids, carrying a higher risk of dependency and overdose.
Why Florida Banned 7-OH
Florida’s Attorney General pointed to a sharp rise in emergency room visits and poison control calls linked to concentrated 7-OH, especially among young adults under 25. Public health leaders warned it could spark a “fourth wave” of the opioid crisis if left unchecked.
The emergency rule now classifies any product with isolated or concentrated 7-OH at 1% by weight or more as a Schedule I controlled substance — the state’s strictest category, reserved for drugs with “no accepted medical use.”
Pushback From Kratom Industry
Not everyone agrees with the ban. Kratom trade groups argue the crackdown is based on fear, not science, and point to FDA data showing few confirmed cases of serious harm from 7-OH alone. They’ve called for regulation instead of prohibition and may challenge the ban during Florida’s 2026 legislative session.
But until then, the law is clear: possessing or selling concentrated 7-OH in Florida is illegal.
What This Means for Kratom Users
If you’ve been using kratom, especially for pain relief or anxiety, it’s time to read labels carefully. Retailers are under orders to pull banned products from shelves, and possession could bring criminal charges.
That’s why some Floridians are turning to medical marijuana, a legal and regulated option in the state. Cannabis products from licensed dispensaries are tested for safety, labeled for potency, and prescribed by doctors for qualifying conditions such as chronic pain, PTSD, and anxiety disorders.
A Legal Alternative: Getting Your Medical Marijuana Card in Florida
To legally use medical marijuana in Florida:
- See a licensed medical marijuana doctor to confirm your qualifying condition.
- Get added to the state registry if approved.
- Apply online through the Florida Department of Health.
- Purchase from licensed dispensaries offering edibles, tinctures, vaporizers, and other regulated options.
At MMJ Health, our board-certified physicians help patients through every step. You can even complete a free eligibility check to see if you qualify for a Florida medical marijuana card before scheduling a visit.
