On June 2, 2025, a last-minute amendment to ban kratom was slipped into a Connecticut hemp regulation bill that had originally been introduced on February 2. By June 4, the bill was sitting on Governor Ned Lamont’s desk. Lamont signed the bill into law three weeks later.
The next step was to determine which schedule (I – V) kratom would fall under, as decided by the Commissioner of Consumer Protection. A public comment period would take place.
The American Kratom Association (AKA) was successful in convincing Connecticut to extend this comment period and in petitioning the state to hold a public hearing, which occurred on October 15.
The Department of Consumer Protection decided to propose kratom, 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), and other substances be placed in Schedule I on the list of controlled substances.
Taking into account all written and oral comments, 431 people opposed scheduling kratom, and only 33 supported scheduling.
Yet, Connecticut’s Department of Consumer Protection posted a Notice of Decision for PR2025-018 on December 10, 2025, that they intend to move forward with scheduling kratom.
The AKA responded in an email to supporters:
“We also want to share very disappointing—but unfortunately not unexpected—news out of Connecticut. Despite overwhelming public testimony opposing a ban, the Connecticut Controlled Substances Board has voted to move forward with making kratom a controlled substance. While this decision is deeply frustrating, the AKA legislative team is already engaged and actively working on repeal strategies and next steps. “
There is not yet a date when the law will go into effect, but once it does, kratom will be illegal to buy, sell, and possess in the state of Connecticut, and will become just as illegal as heroin or LSD.