Georgia's Schedule I kratom ban bill failed this session. The industry is already pushing a weak KCPA alternative. But a full ban is the only answer. Kratom remains an unregulated opioid sold in gas stations and vape shops. Build the coalition to demand a complete prohibition in the next session.
A bill to place kratom on Schedule I – a complete ban – was introduced in the Georgia legislature this session. It did not pass. Meanwhile, the industry is pushing a Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) as a “compromise.” KCPA bills create the illusion of regulation while leaving dangerous products on shelves, imposing unenforceable 2% potency caps, and often preempting local bans. States that have passed KCPAs have seen no reduction in poisonings, hospitalizations, or deaths.
Your job right now: Build a coalition. Document retail sales. Educate lawmakers. Recruit medical, pharmacy, and law enforcement voices. Tell your legislators to reject any future KCPA and instead revive the Schedule I ban in the next session.
Below are key Georgia groups that can influence 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.
Why they matter: No field test means any law short of a full ban is nearly impossible to enforce. Law enforcement can explain to legislators why a KCPA with a 2% cap is unenforceable and why a full ban is the only workable solution.
What to ask: "Will you support a full ban on all kratom products and oppose any future KCPA? Can you testify that the absence of a field test makes a cap‑based law unenforceable?"
Why they matter: The Department of Public Health, Division of Addictive Diseases, and Poison Center track substance use, poisoning data, and treatment needs. Their analysis can quantify the burden of kratom and justify a ban.
What to ask: "Will you collect and publish data on kratom-related emergency visits and poisonings? Will you support a full ban?"
Why they matter: Pharmacists, the Board of Pharmacy, and pharmacy schools have direct knowledge of product safety, contamination risks, and the limitations of self‑regulation. They can advocate for a full ban.
What to ask: "Will your organization issue a public statement supporting a full statewide ban on kratom and opposing any KCPA? Will you provide data on adverse events or poisoning calls?"
Why they matter: Physicians, pediatricians, nurses, and hospitals 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?"
Why they matter: These organizations see the real‑world consequences of addiction and can testify to the dangers of kratom dependence.
What to ask: "Will you support a full ban and provide testimony or written comments about the burden of kratom addiction on your programs?"
Use the template below to educate lawmakers about why Georgia should reject any future KCPA and instead pass a full Schedule I ban.
The Schedule I ban failed – but that doesn't mean we give up. The industry will push a weak KCPA. We need a full ban.
Are you a healthcare professional, parent, educator, addiction specialist, law enforcement officer, or community advocate in Georgia? Help build the coalition.