Rhode Island — RI General Law § 21-28.12; HB 5565 (2025 legislative session) status update
About This Event
Prior to April 1, 2026, kratom's primary alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, were classified as Schedule I controlled substances in Rhode Island, effectively banning the substance. The Rhode Island Kratom Act (RI General Law § 21-28.12), passed in 2025, reverses this ban. The law, which became effective on April 1, 2026, allows for the sale and manufacture of kratom products, establishes a minimum age of 21 for purchasers, and mandates specific labeling and packaging standards. The Rhode Island Department of Health's Center for Food Protection is tasked with overseeing and enforcing these new requirements. Legislation has also been recently introduced (2026-H 7518, filed March 19, 2026) to require kratom products to be kept in locked cases behind sales counters, reflecting ongoing legislative consideration as the new regulations take effect.
References
Outcome
The regulation was approved. This becomes law.