The NJ Attorney General and Division of Consumer Affairs announced that certain synthetic types of kratom will be illegal to possess and sell immediately.
They did so after a temporary order was issued by the federal government restricting certain types of synthetic kratom in July 2026.
“We are issuing this alert to make the public aware that these substances will join heroin, LSD, bath salts, and other dangerous drugs on the list of Schedule I drugs banned in New Jersey,” said NJ Attorney General Jennifer Davenport. “Any individual or business found violating this ban could face criminal charges.”
Notably, natural kratom and other synthetic kratom-related compounds not scheduled will not be illegal in New Jersey due to the federal law change.
However, the Division of Consumer Affairs said that no forms of kratom or related synthetic compounds have been shown to be safe or effective to treat any medical condition.
Heady NJ has heard that natural kratom helps with chronic pain and addiction.
NJ Synthetic Kratom Ban
“Consumers should utilize utmost caution with all kratom and related products,” said Christopher Peterson, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. “It is important to stay informed and make careful decisions, especially when products may not meet established standards for quality or safety.”
Kratom is a botanical substance that grows naturally. Consumption of its leaves or components produces both stimulant effects (in low doses) and sedative effects (in high doses) and can lead to psychotic symptoms and psychological and physiological dependence.
It is frequently marketed on the Internet and is sold in brick-and-mortar stores. However, kratom is not approved in the United States for any medical use.
But neither is weed, and some medical cannabis patients swear weed saved them.
Synthetic Kratom Issues
Kratom products are not subject to any quality controls regarding contaminants or concentration. They may look like candy, and the labels may not identify the contents clearly for consumers to understand what they are consuming. Use of these products may lead to tolerance, physical dependence, and potentially to opioid addiction. In addition, these products may interact with legal and illegal drugs in unknown ways.
The federal Food and Drug Administration advises that kratom poses a threat to public health and has the potential for abuse.
In response to growing public-health and safety concerns, in August 2026, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) temporarily classified three synthetic compounds related to synthetic kratom–mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16–as Schedule I drugs. Schedule I means these substances are illegal to possess or sell and are considered to have a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
Under New Jersey law, if the federal government schedules a drug and the Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs doesn’t object, that drug automatically becomes scheduled in New Jersey too.
The DEA’s temporary scheduling order will remain in effect until at least August 26, 2028, unless the Division changes it.
