Can I buy 7-OH online and have it shipped to California?

No. Because 7-OH is banned in California, shipping the product into the state generally violates state law. Purchasers and sellers can both be subject to enforcement action.

Is kratom the same as 7-hydroxymitragynine in California?

Not exactly. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is the plant; 7-hydroxymitragynine is one of its active alkaloids, which can also be concentrated or semi-synthesized to much higher potencies than occur naturally. California's laws may treat the natural leaf, its alkaloids, and concentrated/synthetic 7-OH differently — see the Legal at a Glance panel above for the specifics that apply here.

What are the penalties for 7-OH possession in California?

In California, possession of 7-hydroxymitragynine is treated as Adulterated food/drug violation (misdemeanor; licensing consequences for retailers). Enforcement is typically handled by California Department of Public Health; California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Actual prosecution outcomes depend on quantity, prior record, and local prosecutorial discretion.

Are there local bans in California beyond state law?

Yes. San Diego, Oceanside, Newport Beach have adopted local ordinances with additional restrictions. See the Local Ordinances section for effective dates and scope.

What happens if I already bought 7-OH and California's law changes?

Laws typically distinguish between sale (prohibited for retailers immediately) and personal possession (often given a grace period, though not always). When California has changed status in the past, state agencies have usually issued guidance to consumers and retailers. Check the most recent state guidance linked in the Sources section before assuming an existing purchase remains legal.

When was this page last verified?

This page was last reviewed on 2026-04-01. Because kratom and 7-OH law changes quickly, we re-verify active-legislation states at least quarterly and update the page when new bills, court rulings, or enforcement actions are reported. This is not legal advice — verify the current statute or consult an attorney in California before relying on it.

7-OH Legal StatusUpdated 2026-04-01

California

Banned · Prohibited under state law

Effective: 2026-02-09
Classification: Misdemeanor
Age limit: —
7-OH cap: —

Possession, sale, or distribution of 7-hydroxymitragynine is illegal in California. The substance is classified under state controlled-substances law and enforcement is active.

§ 01

Summary

Foods, supplements, and drugs containing kratom/7-OH are illegal to sell or manufacture. Enforcement reached 95% compliance in March 2026.

§ 02

Detailed status

California prohibits the sale and manufacture of foods, dietary supplements, and medical drugs containing kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine under the Sherman Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Law. Full enforcement began February 9, 2026. Governor Newsom announced 95% compliance on March 3, 2026 after ABC agents conducted 1,839 licensee visits and identified 61 violations. Local jurisdictions including San Diego, Oceanside, and Newport Beach have layered on additional municipal bans.

§ 03

Local ordinances

3 California municipalities have adopted local rules in addition to state law.

San Diego
City ordinance banning retail sale of kratom products, overlaid on state prohibition.
Oceanside
Municipal ban on sale and distribution of kratom.
Newport Beach
Local ordinance prohibiting kratom sales in city limits.

§ 04

Timeline

How 7-OH law and enforcement has evolved in California.

2026

1 event

2026-03-03NewsOffice of the Governor of California
Governor Newsom announces 95% compliance with prohibition of illegal kratom products
Governor Newsom reported that following full enforcement beginning February 9, 2026, ABC agents conducted 1,839 licensee visits and found 95% compliance with the prohibition on kratom and 7-OH products, identifying 61 violations.

2025

4 events

2025-11-12NewsSpectrum News 1
Cities and counties throughout California crack down on kratom sales
Coverage of local ordinances in San Diego, Oceanside, Newport Beach and other California jurisdictions banning the sale, distribution or possession of kratom.
2025-10-26EnforcementPain News Network
California Leads Crackdown on Kratom and 7-OH
Report on California's state-agency enforcement against kratom and 7-OH retailers and on LA County Department of Public Health data citing six fatal overdoses linked to 7-OH since April 2025.
2025-10-01NewsCalifornia Department of Public Health
Foods, Dietary Supplements and Medical Drugs containing Kratom and 7-OH are Dangerous and Illegal to Sell or Manufacture
CDPH issued a statewide consumer warning declaring kratom and 7-OH products illegal to sell or manufacture in California under the Sherman Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Law.
2025-10-01EnforcementCalifornia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control
Warning to ABC Licensees Concerning Illegal Kratom, 7-OH Products
ABC notified licensed businesses that kratom and 7-OH products are illegal under state law and launched a compliance campaign that removed more than 3,300 products from shelves in three weeks.

§ 05

Frequently asked

Direct answers about 7-hydroxymitragynine in California.

Is 7-hydroxymitragynine legal in California?: Possession, sale, or distribution of 7-hydroxymitragynine is illegal in California. The substance is classified under state controlled-substances law and enforcement is active.
Can I buy 7-OH online and have it shipped to California?: No. Because 7-OH is banned in California, shipping the product into the state generally violates state law. Purchasers and sellers can both be subject to enforcement action.
Is kratom the same as 7-hydroxymitragynine in California?: Not exactly. Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is the plant; 7-hydroxymitragynine is one of its active alkaloids, which can also be concentrated or semi-synthesized to much higher potencies than occur naturally. California's laws may treat the natural leaf, its alkaloids, and concentrated/synthetic 7-OH differently — see the Legal at a Glance panel above for the specifics that apply here.
What are the penalties for 7-OH possession in California?: In California, possession of 7-hydroxymitragynine is treated as Adulterated food/drug violation (misdemeanor; licensing consequences for retailers). Enforcement is typically handled by California Department of Public Health; California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Actual prosecution outcomes depend on quantity, prior record, and local prosecutorial discretion.
Are there local bans in California beyond state law?: Yes. San Diego, Oceanside, Newport Beach have adopted local ordinances with additional restrictions. See the Local Ordinances section for effective dates and scope.
What happens if I already bought 7-OH and California's law changes?: Laws typically distinguish between sale (prohibited for retailers immediately) and personal possession (often given a grace period, though not always). When California has changed status in the past, state agencies have usually issued guidance to consumers and retailers. Check the most recent state guidance linked in the Sources section before assuming an existing purchase remains legal.
When was this page last verified?: This page was last reviewed on 2026-04-01. Because kratom and 7-OH law changes quickly, we re-verify active-legislation states at least quarterly and update the page when new bills, court rulings, or enforcement actions are reported. This is not legal advice — verify the current statute or consult an attorney in California before relying on it.