U.S. poison centers logged 3,190 kratom-related reports in the first half of 2026, Stateline reported. By Stateline's projection, that pace would put this year nearly 68% above 2025, which already set a record.
At the same time, states are moving in opposite directions. Tennessee's ban took effect in July, Massachusetts imposed a temporary emergency restriction in August, and Rhode Island became the first state to replace a ban with a regulated market for adults 21 and older. For families, where they live increasingly determines what is sold at the corner store.
