Status Indicators
- BANNED. Schedule I controlled substance as of March 25, 2026
- HB 6855 (signed June 25, 2025) authorized the scheduling
- Mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, and related kratom compounds all listed
- Retailers were required to destroy or return product to wholesalers by March 25, 2026
At a Glance
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Legal Status | Banned |
| Age Limit | N/A |
| Regulated | No |
| Controlled Substance | Yes (Schedule I) |
| Last Policy Change | March 25, 2026 (Schedule I effective) |
Understanding Federal vs. State Law
Kratom is federally unscheduled. Connecticut, however, used a two-step process to ban kratom: HB 6855 (signed June 25, 2025) authorized scheduling, and the Department of Consumer Protection finalized the Schedule I rule on February 24, 2026 with effect from March 25, 2026. Federal legality provides no protection inside Connecticut.
KCPA Section
Not applicable. Connecticut chose prohibition. No KCPA-style framework was attempted.
Legislative Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| June 25, 2025 | Governor Ned Lamont signs HB 6855 |
| February 24, 2026 | Legislative Regulation Review Committee unanimously approves Schedule I designation |
| March 25, 2026 | Schedule I classification takes effect. Retailers must remove product. |
Penalties
Schedule I possession and distribution in Connecticut are governed by Connecticut General Statutes Chapter 420b. Penalty severity scales with quantity and intent. Sale carries higher penalties than personal-use possession.
Buying & Shipping to Connecticut
Do not ship kratom to a Connecticut address. Reputable vendors block Connecticut at checkout. Receiving kratom in Connecticut exposes the recipient to Schedule I possession penalties.
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Q: Is kratom legal in Connecticut?
A: No. Kratom and its alkaloids are Schedule I controlled substances in Connecticut as of March 25, 2026.
Q: When did Connecticut ban kratom?
A: HB 6855 was signed June 25, 2025. The Schedule I rule took effect March 25, 2026.
Q: Can I drive through Connecticut with kratom?
A: No. Possession is a state crime in any Connecticut town. Travelers on I-95, I-91, or I-84 should not transit Connecticut with kratom.
Q: Can I fly into Connecticut with kratom?
A: No. Bradley International Airport falls under Connecticut state jurisdiction. Arriving with kratom violates state law.
Q: What about products bought legally in another state?
A: They are still illegal once present in Connecticut. The Schedule I classification applies regardless of where the product was purchased.
Sources
- portal.ct.gov/dcp/news-releases-from-the-department-of-consumer-protection/2026-news-releases/department-of-consumer-protection-applauds-passage-of-controlled-substance-drug-schedule-updates, Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection official news release confirming Schedule I update passage
- portal.ct.gov/dcp/knowledge-base/articles/drug-control/patients/kratom-update-october-2025, Connecticut DCP October 2025 kratom update
- www.cga.ct.gov/asp/CGABillStatus/cgabillstatus.asp?selBillType=Bill&bill_num=HB5427, Connecticut General Assembly bill status portal (related drug scheduling activity)
- urbanicebotanicals.com/blog/kratom-ban-connecticut-march-2026/, Coverage confirming the March 25, 2026 effective date
- www.fox61.com/article/news/local/seven-substances-now-designated-as-schedule-1/520-ab64776d-72fa-4dd2-9111-d526954a6ac1, Fox 61 Hartford coverage of kratom and 6 other substances becoming Schedule I
- www.billtrack50.com/billdetail/1784685, BillTrack50 record for Connecticut SB 706 (related scheduling legislation)
- portal.ct.gov/dcp/news-releases-from-the-department-of-consumer-protection/2026-news-releases/recent-controlled-substance-regulation-changes, Connecticut Lt. Governor and Attorney General joint announcement on enforcement
