In 2025, kratom, a botanical substance derived from the leaves of the Southeast Asian tree Mitragyna speciosa, continues to occupy a complex legal position across the United States. In Michigan, the legal status of kratom remains a topic of significant interest and debate. While the substance is currently legal to purchase and possess within the state, Michigan has yet to implement comprehensive regulations governing its sale and use. This lack of regulation has prompted discussions among lawmakers and public health officials about the need for oversight to ensure consumer safety and product quality.
As the national conversation around kratom intensifies, with some states moving toward stricter controls and others advocating for consumer protection measures, Michigan stands at a crossroads. Understanding the current legal landscape of kratom in Michigan is essential for residents, vendors, and consumers who seek clarity on their rights and responsibilities concerning this controversial substance.
This article gives an attorney’s insight into kratom’s legality in Michigan as of June 2025, exploring existing laws, proposed legislation, and the broader implications for those involved in its use and distribution.
Is Kratom Legal in Michigan in 2025?
As of June 30, 2025, kratom is legal in Michigan for adults to purchase, possess, use, and sell statewide, with no city or county-level bans reported. Unlike states such as Alabama, Arkansas, and Indiana, where kratom is classified as a controlled substance, Michigan has no specific legislation banning or classifying kratom’s primary alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, under its controlled substances list Public Health Code, MCL 333.7212.
This aligns with federal law, where kratom is not a controlled substance but is monitored by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a “drug of concern”. Kratom is widely available in Michigan at smoke shops, specialty stores, and online vendors, with retailers often imposing voluntary age restrictions (typically 18+) despite no state-mandated minimum age.
However, kratom’s legality in Michigan operates in a regulatory gray zone. The absence of state-level oversight means no mandatory testing for contaminants, labeling requirements, or restrictions on alkaloid content, raising concerns about product safety. The American Kratom Association (AKA) notes that Michigan’s unregulated market allows access but increases risks of adulterated products, with 1,278 poison control calls nationwide linked to kratom in 2022, often involving other substances.
Despite its legal status, recent X posts reflect public confusion, with @UCantCMeLiberty claiming on June 22, 2025, that kratom is “banned unless you have permission from presiding officials,” an inaccurate statement not supported by current laws.
Legislative Efforts and the Kratom Consumer Protection Act
The First Major Attempt: House Bill 4061 (2023)
The conversation around kratom regulation in Michigan formally took shape in early 2023 when House Bill 4061, known as the Kratom Consumer Protection and Regulatory Act, was introduced by Representative Lori M. Stone along with a coalition of co-sponsors. This bill aimed to create a structured framework for kratom manufacturing, distribution, and sale in the state.
At its core, HB 4061 focused on consumer safety. Lawmakers were concerned about the growing market of unregulated kratom products, some of which contained dangerous contaminants or unlisted ingredients. To address this, the bill proposed the following:
- Businesses involved in manufacturing, selling, or distributing kratom would be required to obtain a license from the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA).
- The sale of kratom to anyone under the age of 21 would be strictly prohibited.
- Products would need to undergo testing for purity and safety, including screening for heavy metals, contaminants, and verifying the levels of active compounds like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine.
- Clear labeling requirements were introduced, mandating manufacturers to list ingredients, provide usage guidelines, and include health warnings about potential risks.
The bill also authorized LARA to enforce compliance, with the power to issue fines, suspend licenses, or take further legal action against violators.
Despite its comprehensive framework, HB 4061 stalled in committee. It was referred to the House Committee on Regulatory Reform but failed to advance to a vote. By the end of the 2023 legislative session, the bill was effectively dead.
Michigan KRATOM CONSUMER PROTECTION AND REGULATORY ACT (House Bill 4061) PDF
Current Status (2025)
Based on available information, there are no new bills on kratom currently under consideration in Michigan as of June 2025. Legislative sources and recent reports indicate that while there have been past attempts to regulate kratom, such as House Bill 4061 in 2023, no new proposals have been introduced or passed in the 2025-2026 session.
Michigan has seen several legislative efforts to regulate or restrict kratom in the past, but none have passed into law. Notable historical attempts include:
- 2014: House Bill 5707, which aimed to classify kratom as a Schedule V controlled substance, was proposed but failed due to advocacy efforts (Kratom Country, published March 9, 2025).
- 2019: Senate Bill 433 sought to classify kratom as a Schedule II drug, requiring a prescription, but it did not progress (Kratora, published June 8, 2024).
- 2023: House Bill 4061, known as the Kratom Consumer Protection and Regulatory Act, was introduced to regulate distribution, sale, and manufacturing, requiring licensing and setting an age limit of 21. This bill included provisions for testing raw materials, labeling requirements, and penalties for violations, but it did not pass (MichiganVotes, accessed June 2025).
These efforts highlight a pattern of proposed regulations that have not been enacted, leaving kratom in its current unregulated state.
Why Kratom Regulation Is a Growing Concern
The legislative efforts in Michigan mirror a broader national conversation about kratom’s safety and regulation. Proponents of kratom argue that it offers valuable therapeutic benefits for chronic pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal. Opponents, including some public health officials, point to reports of contamination, overdose cases (sometimes involving polydrug use), and lack of quality control in the marketplace.
Michigan’s attempts to regulate kratom have aimed not to ban it outright, but to create consumer protection standards that would make products safer and reduce potential public health risks.
Penalties and Risks in an Unregulated Market, Michigan.
Since kratom is legal and unregulated in Michigan, there are no state-specific penalties for its purchase, possession, or use as of June 29, 2025. However, the unregulated market poses risks. The FDA warns of adverse effects, including liver toxicity, seizures, and substance use disorder, with rare deaths often linked to poly-drug use. In Michigan, nine deaths were reportedly linked to kratom in 2019, though causation was unclear due to other substances involved. Consumers face risks from untested products, as vendors are not required to verify purity or disclose alkaloid levels, potentially leading to contamination with heavy metals or synthetic additives.
If the KCPA or similar legislation passes, violations such as selling to minors or failing to comply with labeling requirements could result in fines of $500–$1,000 and potential license revocation for vendors. For now, residents and visitors can legally purchase kratom but should exercise caution, choosing vendors with third-party testing and Good Manufacturing Processes (GMP) certification, as recommended by the AKA Is Kratom Legal in Michigan?.
Implications for Michigan Residents and Visitors
Kratom’s legal status in Michigan allows residents and visitors to freely purchase and use it in cities like Detroit, Flint, and Ann Arbor, with no local bans reported. However, travelers should be cautious when crossing state lines, as neighboring Indiana bans kratom, classifying it as a Schedule I substance Public Health Code, Indiana Code 35-48-2-4.
Michigan’s unregulated market requires consumers to research vendors carefully, prioritizing those with transparent sourcing and lab-tested products to avoid health risks.
The potential passage of the KCPA could reshape Michigan’s kratom market, introducing safeguards like age restrictions and mandatory testing, aligning with states like Georgia and Nevada. Advocacy groups like the AKA encourage consumers to support these efforts to ensure safe access while preventing bans.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Kratom remains legal but unregulated in Michigan as of June 2025, offering access but posing safety risks due to the lack of oversight. Ongoing legislative efforts, particularly the KCPA, aim to regulate the market, potentially introducing consumer protections. Residents should stay informed through resources like the AKA’s legality map, purchase from reputable vendors, and advocate for sensible regulations.
If facing legal issues related to kratom, especially in cross-state scenarios, consult our kratom attorneys to protect your rights. With public interest growing, 40% of U.S. kratom users report using it for opioid withdrawal relief. Kratom Under Scrutiny, Michigan’s kratom landscape may evolve, making vigilance essential.
How Our Firm Can Help with Kratom-Related Legal Matters in Michigan
Whether you are a kratom business navigating Michigan’s shifting regulatory landscape or an individual concerned about your legal rights, understanding these laws is essential. Our experienced legal team can assist with:
- Compliance counseling for kratom retailers, distributors, and manufacturers
- Representation in regulatory disputes or licensing matters
- Legal advice regarding product liability risks and consumer protection issues related to kratom
If you have questions about kratom laws in Michigan, current regulations, pending legislation, or how proposed laws may impact your business, our kratom attorneys are here to help. Contact us today for a confidential consultation.