Understanding Kratom and Mississippi’s House Bill 1077

Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree native to Southeast Asia, is an herbal supplement that has sparked significant debate due to its complex effects. The plant’s primary alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing effects ranging from pain relief and relaxation at higher doses to stimulation and increased energy at lower doses. Kratom is commonly consumed as a powder, capsule, or tea and is sold in gas stations, vape shops, and online. Advocates praise its potential for managing chronic pain, anxiety, and opioid withdrawal, with an estimated 15 million Americans, including 100,000 Mississippians, using it for these purposes.

However, critics, including medical professionals, warn of its addictive potential and risks, likening it to opioids due to its effects on the brain. The FDA classifies kratom as a dietary supplement, not a controlled substance, but has raised concerns about its safety, citing cases of overdose and dependency.

In Mississippi, the debate over kratom’s regulation culminated in the passage of House Bill 1077, signed into law by Governor Tate Reeves on April 24, 2025, and effective July 1, 2025. Authored by Representative Lee Yancey (R-Brandon), the Kratom Consumer Protection Act aims to balance access to kratom with public safety concerns. The bill passed unanimously in both the House (115-0) and Senate (51-0), reflecting broad legislative support. HB 1077 introduces two key regulations.

First, it restricts kratom purchases to individuals aged 21 and older, imposing fines of up to $1,000 and misdemeanor charges for repeat violations within five years for both underage buyers and retailers who sell to them. Retailers must verify age, place kratom products behind counters, and ensure employees sign agreements acknowledging the age restriction.

Second, the law bans synthetic kratom extracts, specifically those with high concentrations of 7-hydroxymitragynine (exceeding 1% of the alkaloid composition or 0.5 mg per container), due to their heightened potency and addictive potential compared to “pure” kratom leaf products.

The legislation responds to growing concerns about kratom’s accessibility, particularly to youth, and its presence in unregulated forms. Over 30 Mississippi counties and cities had already imposed local bans or restrictions, reflecting unease about its availability at gas stations. Medical experts, including Dr. Jennifer Bryan of the Mississippi Medical Association, have labeled kratom “the next phase of the opioid crisis,” citing its addictive properties.

However, advocates like Christina Dent of End It For Good argue that regulation, rather than criminalization, protects users by ensuring access to safer, pure kratom while preventing a dangerous black market. HB 1077 was one of four kratom-related bills proposed in 2025; others, which sought to classify kratom as a Schedule III controlled substance, failed, indicating a legislative preference for regulation over outright bans.

While HB 1077 does not supersede local bans, it sets a statewide standard, preserving the right of counties and cities to enforce stricter rules. For users, the law ensures continued access to kratom for pain relief or opioid cessation, but for retailers, it mandates compliance with new age and product restrictions, potentially reshaping the market. The law’s impact will depend on enforcement and whether it curbs misuse while maintaining access for responsible users.