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Illinois Considers Kratom Schedule III, Tax, Youth Ban

5/17/2026

36 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Illinois is debating kratom bills: Schedule III or an under-21 sales ban with a 5 % tax.
House Bill 3129 would schedule kratom, while House Bill 1303 would levy a 5 % tax and fines up to $20,000 on retailers.
Doctors warned of kratom-related overdose deaths while the health department said youth misuse is rising.
Industry leader Craig Katz backs regulation and testing while a Michigan study found over 5 million users, including over 100,000 youths.

History

Historical Context

After a series of high-profile deaths and more than 15,000 reported adverse events, the FDA issued a final rule in April 2004 banning dietary supplements containing ephedrine alkaloids. The ban, driven by data from companies such as Metabolife, spurred state-level restrictions that have become a template for later dietary-supplement legislation and enforcement.

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Story summary

Illinois is debating kratom bills: Schedule III or an under-21 sales ban with a 5 % tax.
House Bill 3129 would schedule kratom, while House Bill 1303 would levy a 5 % tax and fines up to $20,000 on retailers.
Doctors warned of kratom-related overdose deaths while the health department said youth misuse is rising.
Industry leader Craig Katz backs regulation and testing while a Michigan study found over 5 million users, including over 100,000 youths.

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