New Hampshire Status – SB 557 Died, But the Fight Continues

The 2026 session saw SB 557, a bill that initially aimed to ban synthetic kratom but left natural kratom, mitragynine, and 7‑hydroxymitragynine untouched. Lawmakers recognized that the synthetic‑only distinction was unenforceable – no field test exists, and retailers cannot distinguish synthetic from natural. The bill died, but the underlying problem remains: kratom is legally sold in gas stations, vape shops, and online across the state.

Your job right now: Build a coalition. Document retail sales. Educate lawmakers. Recruit medical, pharmacy, and law enforcement voices. The next session starts long before the first hearing is gaveled.

What You Can Do Right Now

• Document retail sales in your community. Take photos of kratom displays in gas stations, vape shops, and stores near schools. Capture extracts, powders, shots, and any “wellness” or “intoxication” marketing. These images build a powerful record for lawmakers.
• Build local awareness. Many New Hampshire residents still don’t know that kratom is widely sold, that potent extracts are openly marketed, that products contain lead and hidden alcohol, and that “regulation” models are unenforceable. Share educational materials with parents, healthcare professionals, educators, local officials, and community groups.
• Recruit stakeholders. Use the list below to connect with pharmacists, physicians, nurses, addiction professionals, law enforcement, educators, and parents. Ask each organization to take a concrete action (see “what to ask” for each group).
• Follow developments in other states. Bans in states like Nevada (June 4 hearing) and failures of KCPA bills in Idaho and South Carolina provide lessons and evidence for New Hampshire lawmakers.
• Prepare for the next session. Legislative action moves quickly once session begins. Build local networks, share educational materials, document retail activity, contact community leaders, and prepare testimony and evidence packets for lawmakers.

New Hampshire Organizations & Stakeholders – Build the Coalition

Below are key New Hampshire groups that can influence future kratom policy. For each category, we explain why they matter and what to ask when you reach out. Use the contact links to start the conversation.

Law Enforcement & Legal

Why they matter: No field test means no enforcement. Law enforcement can explain to legislators why any “synthetic‑only” or “potency‑based” bill is impossible to police. The Attorney General can provide legal authority.

What to ask: “Will you support a full ban on all kratom products? Can you testify that the absence of a field test makes any regulatory bill unenforceable?”

Health & Pharmacy

Why they matter: The Department of Health and Human Services, Board of Pharmacy, and pharmacists have direct knowledge of product safety, contamination risks, and the limitations of self‑regulation. They can advocate for a complete ban.

What to ask: “Will your organization issue a public statement supporting a full statewide ban on kratom? Will you provide data on adverse events or poisoning calls?”

Medical Associations & Nursing

Why they matter: Physicians, family doctors, nurses, and nurse practitioners see kratom's harms firsthand. Their public statements carry significant weight with legislators.

What to ask: “Will your organization issue a public statement supporting a full statewide ban on kratom? Will you share data on kratom‑related ER visits or poisonings?”

Prepare Messages for Next Session

While no bill is active now, you can still reach out to state representatives and senators to plant the seed for a full ban. Use the template below to educate them about the dangers and the failure of “regulation” bills elsewhere.

Call Script for Stakeholder Outreach