Minnesota lawmakers debate kratom age hike vs. full Schedule II ban
Minnesota lawmakers are debating competing kratom measures — one to raise the purchase age from 18 to 21 and another to classify kratom and its active alkaloid 7‑OH as Schedule II controlled substances requiring a prescription — as victims’ families and some legislators press for tougher action. Sen. Alice Mann, an ER doctor, warned against basing laws on anecdote while flagging synthetic additives as the biggest problem, Sen. Michael Holmstrom called for “a lot more severe restrictions,” FOX 9 found kratom liquid and pills readily available at an Eden Prairie smoke shop, and several other states, including Connecticut this week, have moved to ban the substance.
📌 Key Facts
- Lawmakers in Minnesota are considering multiple kratom measures: bills to raise the minimum purchase age from 18 to 21 and separate bills that would classify kratom and the metabolite 7‑OH as Schedule II controlled substances requiring a prescription.
- Sen. Alice Mann, an ER physician and co‑sponsor of the age‑limit bill, cautioned against making laws based solely on anecdotal reports and flagged synthetic additives in kratom products as the biggest problem.
- Sen. Michael Holmstrom said raising the purchase age alone is insufficient and called for “a lot more severe restrictions” to better protect the public.
- FOX 9 reporters were able to easily buy kratom liquid and pill products at a smoke shop in Eden Prairie, underscoring current retail availability and typical pricing.
- Nationally, seven states already ban kratom, and Connecticut enacted a ban this week, providing context for Minnesota’s debate.
📰 Source Timeline (2)
Follow how coverage of this story developed over time
March 26, 2026
2:45 AM
Minnesota kratom debate: Lawmakers consider restrictions on “unapproved" supplement
New information:
- Confirms there are multiple kratom bills: one set raising the purchase age from 18 to 21 and another set that would classify kratom and 7‑OH as Schedule II controlled substances requiring a prescription.
- Identifies Sen. Alice Mann, an ER doctor, as a co‑sponsor of the age‑limit bill and quotes her warning against writing laws based solely on anecdotal evidence while flagging synthetic additives as the biggest problem.
- Quotes Sen. Michael Holmstrom arguing that simply raising the age is inadequate and calling for 'a lot more severe restrictions' to protect the public.
- Notes that FOX 9 was able to easily purchase kratom liquid and pills at an Eden Prairie smoke shop, highlighting current availability and typical pricing.
- Updates the national context by naming the seven states that have banned kratom and adding Connecticut’s fresh ban as of Wednesday.
March 20, 2026