Changes to access of kratom products and related treatment information

Washington State Health Care Authority sent this bulletin at 08/20/2026 04:00 PM PDT

August 20, 2026

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Changes to access of kratom products and related treatment information

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has indicated that they plan to temporarily classify kratom synthetic alkaloids (such as 7-OH, MGM-15, and MGM-16) as Schedule 1 controlled substances, effective August 5, 2026. This allows for criminal punishment for selling, manufacturing, and possessing these products. This means that people who previously used kratom products legally have lost access.

Learn more about the DEA changes

Treatment for kratom synthetic alkaloid dependency and withdrawal

Kratom can cause dependence, and abruptly stopping use can cause withdrawal symptoms. Some medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), such as buprenorphine and methadone, may be a treatment option for those struggling with ongoing kratom use when it is indicated by a medical provider, although this is not a topic that has been well studied. There are also reports of medical providers prescribing buprenorphine “off-label” as treatment for kratom and kratom synthetic alkaloid use.

A prescribing medical provider in Washington state can choose to offer MOUD to patients when treating a medically necessary condition.
Any decision making should happen after an individualized and full medical assessment of a patient by a prescribing provider and with shared decision making with the patient.
Any clinical decision making should be fully documented in the patient’s medical record by the prescribing provider.
More information about MOUD for youth can be found in the Youth MOUD fact sheet.

Prescribers also can call the University of Washington Psychiatry Consult Line at 877-927-7924 for guidance on using MOUD to treat individuals who use kratom or kratom synthetic alkaloids.

University of Washington Psychiatry Consult Line website

MOUD treatment providers offering methadone and buprenorphine can be found via the Washington Recovery Helpline’s MOUD locator.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with substance use, the Recovery Helpline is available for free treatment and recovery support 24/7 in Washington. Call or text 866-789-1511 (texting is available from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.).

Washington Recovery Helpline website

Additional resources

For additional information on kratom please also check out the following University of Washington Addictions, Drug and Alcohol Institute (ADAI) resources:

7-OH: What is it? Why do people use it? What medical approaches can help?

Kratom & 7-OH: What do we know about use, safety, and overdose risk?

About the Health Care Authority (HCA)

Functioning as both the state's largest health care purchaser and its behavioral health authority, the Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) is a leader in ensuring Washington residents have the opportunity to be as healthy as possible.

There are three pillars of our work: Apple Health (Medicaid); the Public Employees Benefits Board (PEBB) and School Employees Benefits Board (SEBB) programs; and behavioral health and recovery. Under these pillars, HCA purchases health care, including behavioral health treatment for more than 2.7 million Washington residents and provides behavioral health prevention, crisis, and recovery supports to all Washington residents.

Please do not reply directly to this message. For more information, visit the HCA website, where you'll also find contact information.

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The Washington State Health Care Authority (HCA) complies with all applicable federal and Washington state civil rights laws and is committed to providing equal access to our services. Visit HCA’s website to view complete nondiscrimination statements.