WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

HB 863

Kratom; add to Schedule III of the Uniform Controlled Substances Act.

2026 Regular Session

Mississippi bill reclassifies kratom as Schedule III controlled substance, criminalizing retail sales and personal possession of the botanical supplement currently sold legally.

Referred To Business and Commerce;Drug Policy
#businessandcommerce #drugpolicy
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · HB 863

Legislative bill overview

HB 863 would classify kratom as a Schedule III controlled substance under Mississippi's Uniform Controlled Substances Act. This would place kratom in the same legal category as drugs like ketamine and anabolic steroids, making possession, distribution, and sale illegal except under specific medical circumstances with proper licensing.

Why is this important

Kratom is currently legal and widely available in Mississippi through retail shops, gas stations, and online vendors. Reclassifying it would immediately criminalize current possession and sales, affecting a growing consumer base and small businesses. This represents a significant shift in how the state regulates botanical substances and would align Mississippi with a minority of states that have banned kratom.

Potential points of contention

  • Medical vs. recreational use debate: Kratom advocates argue it has legitimate pain management applications and lower addiction potential than opioids, while proponents of the ban cite concerns about dependency and limited clinical evidence of safety/efficacy
  • Enforcement burden: Police and courts would face resource demands prosecuting kratom offenses when resources might focus on harder drugs
  • Existing business impact: Legal kratom retailers and online vendors serving Mississippi customers would face immediate shutdown, affecting employees and suppliers with minimal transition time
  • Schedule III classification specificity: Schedule III allows some medical/research uses, but the bill's language may not clearly define pathways for legitimate access, creating legal ambiguity

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

Sign in to ask a question.