The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has declared that kratom and 7-OH products are dangerous and illegal to sell or manufacture for human consumption. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has determined that kratom and 7-OH, a naturally occurring alkaloid in the kratom plant, are not approved as food additives, food products, dietary supplements, or drug products. Under the Sherman Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, CDPH has statewide authority to embargo, seize, and remove these products.

In March 2026, the Ventura County Environmental Health Division and Ventura County Public Health notified local tobacco retailers and food facilities that the sale and marketing of kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products for consumption is illegal in California.

• Retailer Letter: the sale of Kratom and 7-OH products is illegal – English | Spanish

• Retailer Flyer: Kratom and 7-OH products are illegal in CA – English | Spanish

Resources

• Warning to ABC Licensees Concerning Illegal Kratom, 7-OH Products

• CDPH Warns Retailers and Public About the Dangers of Kratom-derived Products and 7-OH 

• CDPH Prohibition on the Sale of Kratom and 7-OH Products Letter to Licensed Tobacco Retailers 

• CDPH Prohibition on the Sale and Marketing of Kratom and 7-OH Products to PFRs and Licensees

• VCPH – Kratom: What You Need to Know 

Contact Information

• Food Facilities: Environmental Health Division: (805) 654-2813

• Tobacco Retailers: Ventura County Public Health: (805) 201-7867