A recent bill introduced in the Pennsylvania House would prohibit kratom from being sold to people under the age of 21, impose language requirements for labels, and require all kratom vendors to register with the PA Department of Health.
The bipartisan House Bill 2058 was introduced on November 19 with 20 cosponsors (18 Democrat, 2 Republican). It is now in the House Health Committee.
The bill requires a kratom processor (a “person who prepares or manufactures a kratom product” as defined in the bill) or retailer to register with the Department of Health and pay an annual fee (to be determined). Processors/retailers cannot sell to those under 21 years of age. Kratom products must follow residual solvent standards, must not contain 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) at above 2% of total alkaloids, and must follow labeling standards. The packaging cannot be attractive to children and must include the name and address of the processor, a complete list of ingredients and the quantity, and must contain the following language:
(i) The kratom product is not recommended for individuals under 21 years of age, pregnant or breastfeeding.
(ii) Consultation with a health care professional is advised before use of the kratom product.
(iii) Kratom may be habit-forming and may interact with certain medications.
(iv) Kratom overdose may occur, with symptoms resembling opioid overdose.*
(4) Directions for use, including the recommended serving size, the maximum number of servings per 24-hour period and the amount of mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine per serving.
(5) The following disclosures regarding the information under this subsection and the kratom product:
(i) “These statements have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. This product is not
intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.”
(ii) “Keep out of reach of children.”
(6) Any other information deemed necessary by the department.
*The bill’s language about kratom overdose resembling opioid overdose may not be entirely correct. Analyses of kratom overdose cases, as in Stanciu et. al. (2023), found a mix of opioid overdose-like effects (such as respiratory depression) as well as adrenergic overdose-like effects (that would resemble cardiac arrest).
The bill also requires brick-and-mortar retailers to keep kratom in a place only accessible to retail workers and ID every customer who appears under the age of 35 (though the legal age would be 21). Retailers would be restricted from advertising kratom within sight of a school or daycare, and neon signs and brightly colored advertisements will be banned.
The law will also require the Dept. of Health to conduct a study on kratom’s effects and addictiveness within two years of the bill’s passage. Based on this study, the state will launch an educational campaign for Pennsylvanians.
If passed, the law will go into effect 60 days after being signed by the governor.
Thus far, kratom has remained unregulated in Pennsylvania and thus legal for anyone to buy, sell, and possess.
The PA Dept. of Health issued warnings about both kratom and 7-OH in 2025, focusing on an uptick in poison control center calls. Since 7-OH is often marketed as kratom, it is unclear exactly which substance is actually being reported in the calls.
In a statement released on December 5, one of the bill’s sponsors, Rep. Emily Kinkead said, “Without regulation, consumers don’t know exactly what they’re putting in their body, unknowingly ingesting toxic additives or synthetic compounds that pose serious health risks. This legislation is about protecting public safety, creating basic safeguards for our children, and ensuring transparency for Pennsylvanians who purchase kratom.”