Iowa Senate Bill SF2013

Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/12/26
• Refer: 1/12/26

Caption

A bill for an act designating kratom as a schedule I controlled substance, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 2192.)

Impact

The enactment of SF2013 would have substantial implications for state drug laws. Under the proposed measure, individuals caught possessing kratom would face serious misdemeanor charges for the first offense, escalating to aggravated misdemeanors for subsequent offenses, and possibly leading to class D felonies for repeated violations. This could mean incarceration and hefty fines, thus criminalizing many users who are currently unregulated under existing laws.

Summary

Senate File 2013 (SF2013) proposes the classification of kratom, a plant sourced from Mitragyna speciosa, as a Schedule I controlled substance in Iowa. This classification signifies that kratom is considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use. The bill seeks to impose penalties on possession and distribution of kratom, which could significantly affect individuals who currently use or sell the substance legally.

Contention

The bill is likely to stir debate surrounding its classification of kratom, as supporters argue that it addresses potential public health concerns associated with the substance, citing its associations with dependency and other health risks. Conversely, opponents may challenge the bill by claiming it may unfairly target individuals who rely on kratom for managing pain or other conditions, advocating for a more balanced and informed approach to regulation rather than outright prohibition.