Mississippi Physicians Call on Legislature to Implement Stronger Kratom Safeguards

Mississippi State Medical Association supports a statewide ban on sales, evidence-based safeguards, stronger enforcement, and continued research

RIDGELAND, MS, UNITED STATES, November 4, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- The Mississippi State Medical Association (MSMA) urges state officials to implement a statewide prohibition on kratom sales, reaffirming its long-standing organizational policy to ban the substance in Mississippi.

The MSMA policy, adopted in 2019, commits the association to advocate for a ban on kratom sales while supporting research into the substance’s safety and efficacy. A companion policy calls for a state-level screening and approval process for over-the-counter substances with potential for abuse, along with public education about unregulated products.

Drug Policy 04.01 – Kratom: MSMA will advocate to ban the sale of kratom in Mississippi while supporting research into the safety and efficacy of the substance. (Ref. 2019-9 Banning the Sale of Kratom)

04.03 Screening Program for the Over-the-Counter Sale of Substances – MSMA supports a state-level screening and approval process for substances with potential for recreational use or abuse and supports public education regarding unregulated substances.

“Physicians see the consequences of these products in our clinics and emergency rooms,” said Dr. Lucius Lampton, MSMA President. “Mississippi made real progress in 2025, but a substance with opioid-like effects should not be sold next to candy and energy drinks. Convenience stores are not regulated like pharmacies, nor should they be selling highly addictive products masquerading as safe to the public products with known risks of dependence and potentially serious health consequences without appropriate safeguards. We urge the Legislature to act in 2027 and protect Mississippi families.”

Physicians across Mississippi have historically raised serious concerns about the health risks associated with kratom, including dependence, adverse reactions, and potentially dangerous interactions with other substances. The growing availability of highly-concentrated kratom derivatives raises additional concerns about potency, toxicity, and the potential for serious harm. While continued scientific research is important, existing evidence provides sufficient reason to strengthen public health protections. MSMA believes that patient safety must remain the priority and that stronger statewide action is warranted.
Consistent with association policies, MSMA asks lawmakers to consider these steps in the 2027 Legislative Session:

Ban the retail sale of kratom statewide. This is MSMA's standing policy. A statewide ban would replace today's patchwork of local ordinances with one clear rule, while leaving room for approved research.

Write the 7-OH ban into state law. Mississippi should permanently schedule concentrated and synthetic 7-OH and related compounds so that protections do not lapse if the federal temporary order expires.

Create a state screening and approval process for over-the-counter substances with potential for abuse, so that the next unregulated product is reviewed before it reaches shelves, not after harm occurs.

Strengthen enforcement of current law. Until a ban takes effect, retailers should face meaningful penalties and regular compliance checks for selling to anyone under 21 or selling products that violate the synthetic ban.

Improve death investigation and reporting. Coroners and medical examiners should routinely test for kratom compounds in suspected overdose deaths and report findings to the Mississippi State Department of Health, so policymakers have reliable Mississippi data.

Fund public education and treatment access. MSMA supports campaigns aimed at college campuses and young adults, wider naloxone availability, and coverage for evidence-based treatment for people who have developed substance use dependence.

Preserve local authority. Cities and counties that have already acted should keep the ability to set stronger rules.

Mississippi has taken important first steps toward addressing physicians’ concerns. In 2025, the Legislature banned synthetic kratom, limited sales of natural kratom to adults 21 and older, and required products to be kept behind the counter. Nearly 40 Mississippi cities and counties have gone further and banned kratom outright.

In the 2026 session, lawmakers filed several bills to place kratom on Schedule I or Schedule III of the state’s Uniform Controlled Substances Act. None became law, and as a result, plant-based kratom remains legal for adult sale in most of Mississippi.

At the federal level, three synthetic opioid-related compounds were temporarily scheduled on August 26. On October 9, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) issued revised Notices of Intent addressing 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) and mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI), distinguishing naturally occurring trace amounts from intentionally concentrated products. These actions do not comprehensively address botanical kratom, and temporary scheduling measures are not permanent.

MSMA will continue to work with legislators, the State Department of Health, law enforcement, and local leaders ahead of the 2027 session. Physicians encourage individuals using kratom products to discuss potential health risks with their health care provider, particularly when combining kratom with prescription medications or other substances.

Anyone experiencing a medical emergency or suspected overdose should call 911. Individuals experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis may call or text 988. Free, confidential help with substance use is available 24/7 through the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357.

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About the Mississippi State Medical Association
The Mississippi State Medical Association is the largest physician advocacy organization in Mississippi, representing nearly 5,000 physicians and medical students. MSMA has a strong history dating back to 1856 as a trusted health policy leader and professional development resource. MSMA represents the unified voice of physicians statewide on state and federal health care issues while providing information needed to navigate health care legislation and regulatory changes. MSMA also provides innovative physician education and practice management resources and accredits continuing medical education programs.

Lucius M. "Luke" Lampton, MD
President, Mississippi State Medical Association
+1 601-248-2432
drluciuslampton@gmail.com