Walz signs law raising kratom age, penalties

Gov. Tim Walz has signed HF 3453 into law, raising Minnesota's legal age to buy and possess the herbal drug kratom from 18 to 21 and stiffening penalties for underage use and sales. Under the measure, it becomes a gross misdemeanor to sell kratom to anyone under 21 and a misdemeanor for people under 21 to possess it, replacing the previous 18+ standard that left regulation largely to local ordinances. Kratom, a Southeast Asian plant marketed in the U.S. for pain, anxiety and opioid withdrawal despite lacking FDA approval, has spread through Twin Cities tobacco shops and convenience stores and has been tied to addiction and at least one locally reported death in Burnsville. Lawmakers and addiction specialists pushed the change amid concerns about unregulated drinks and pills and the drug's side-effect profile. The new rules take effect Aug. 1, 2026, giving metro retailers and law enforcement time to adjust policies and enforcement.