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HB 1122

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

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Jay McKnight

Mississippi bill would criminalize kratom by adding it to Schedule III controlled substances, restricting legal access despite lack of federal scheduling or strong abuse evidence.

Died In Committee
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Bill Summary · HB 1122

Legislative bill overview

HB 1122 would classify kratom as a Schedule III controlled substance under Mississippi's Uniform Controlled Substances Act. This would place kratom in the same regulatory category as substances like anabolic steroids and some barbiturates, making possession without a prescription illegal and subject to criminal penalties.

Why is this important

Kratom is a plant product currently legal in most U.S. states and widely sold in retail outlets. Reclassifying it would criminalize current users and sellers, potentially affecting thousands of Mississippi residents and businesses. This represents a significant shift in drug policy that could influence how other states approach kratom regulation.

Potential points of contention

  • Medical/scientific evidence gap: The DEA has not scheduled kratom federally despite previous consideration, citing insufficient evidence of abuse potential and public health threat, making state-level scheduling controversial
  • Commerce impact: Legal kratom businesses and vendors would face immediate closure or criminal liability, affecting employment and existing commerce
  • User base concerns: Current kratom users—including those using it for pain management, opioid alternatives, or other self-treatment purposes—would face criminal penalties despite no federal scheduling
  • Enforcement resources: Law enforcement would need to redirect resources to enforce a new drug prohibition with limited public safety justification

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

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