Is Kratom Legal in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island has legalized and regulated kratom sales to adults 21 and older, effective April 1, 2026, by enacting the Rhode Island Kratom Act which establishes licensing, labeling, and product standards, and removes kratom's primary alkaloids from Schedule I classification.

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.

Update History

• Apr 3, 2026Rhode Island Kratom Legal Status Update

  Rhode Island — RI General Law § 21-28.12; HB 5565 (2025 legislative session): 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.. Status: LEGAL.

  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.

  Sources: Link 1

• Mar 9, 2026Rhode Island Kratom Legal Status Update

  From Kratom Ban Legislation Search: proposed status change to BANNED. Total ban; new regulatory act effective April 1, 2026

  Source: Kratom Ban Legislation Search Total ban; new regulatory act effective April 1, 2026