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Bill

SB 3160

KRATOM PROHIBITION ACT

104th Regular Session Introduced by Cristina Castro

Illinois bill would ban kratom sales and possession statewide, eliminating a legal botanical market while federal law permits it.

Rule 2-10 Committee/3rd Reading Deadline Established As May 15, 2026
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Bill Summary · SB 3160

Legislative bill overview

SB 3160 proposes to prohibit the sale, distribution, and possession of kratom in Illinois. Kratom is a plant-derived substance derived from leaves of Mitragyna speciosa, a tree native to Southeast Asia, commonly marketed as a dietary supplement or wellness product. The bill would classify kratom as a controlled substance under Illinois law.

Why is this important

Kratom has grown into a significant commercial market in the U.S., with vendors operating legally in most states and thousands of Illinois residents reportedly using the product. A prohibition would eliminate this market in Illinois and could create enforcement challenges, as the substance remains legal federally and in most states, potentially creating interstate commerce complications.

Potential points of contention

  • Scientific evidence gap: Kratom's safety and efficacy remain contested in peer-reviewed literature; the FDA has expressed concerns but has not formally banned it, and the bill does not cite specific medical or public health crises unique to Illinois
  • Market impact and personal freedom: The prohibition would affect legal businesses, vendors, and consumers who currently use kratom as a dietary supplement, raising questions about government regulation of botanicals and consumer choice
  • Inconsistency with federal policy: Unlike fentanyl or other controlled substances with clear federal prohibition, kratom remains legal at the federal level and in 38+ states, potentially making Illinois enforcement difficult and creating compliance issues for interstate commerce

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

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