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HB 968

Controlled substances; mitragynine and hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) are Schedule I; provide

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by John Corbett and 5 co-sponsors

Georgia bill would make kratom a Schedule I drug, criminalizing possession and sales of the currently legal supplement.

House Committee Favorably Reported By Substitute
#crimesandoffenses(criminalcode)
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Bill Summary · HB 968

Legislative bill overview

HB 968 would classify mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine—the active compounds in kratom—as Schedule I controlled substances in Georgia. This means kratom would be treated the same legal way as heroin or LSD, making possession, sale, and distribution criminal offenses.

Why is this important

Kratom is currently legal and widely available in Georgia through smoke shops, online retailers, and specialty stores. An estimated hundreds of thousands of Georgians use it as a dietary supplement or for pain management. Reclassifying it as Schedule I would criminalize current users and sellers, generate enforcement costs, and eliminate a legal product that some people rely on for wellness purposes.

Potential points of contention

  • Scientific classification debate: The DEA has not scheduled kratom as Schedule I at the federal level despite previous consideration; many harm-reduction advocates argue current evidence doesn't support Schedule I classification
  • User impact and criminalization: People currently using kratom legally could face criminal charges; existing vendors would become illegal overnight, affecting small businesses and workers
  • Medical autonomy questions: Some users report kratom helps with pain, anxiety, or opioid withdrawal—restricting access removes a consumer choice without consensus on safety/efficacy from medical bodies
  • Enforcement resource allocation: Law enforcement would need to enforce new regulations against a product many view as low-risk compared to other drugs

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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