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Gov. Reynolds Warns Iowans About Effects of Kratom, Calls for Total Ban
Officials said kratom’s synthetic variants can act like opioids and warned retailers and residents after 45 deaths were confirmed across 23 counties since 2024.
- On Tuesday, Governor Kim Reynolds joined state officials in warning Iowans of kratom's health risks, calling for a total ban following 45 kratom-associated deaths confirmed since 2024.
- The Drug Enforcement Administration classified three synthetic kratom-derived compounds—mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, and MGM-16—as Schedule I controlled substances on Aug. 26, 2026, making possession illegal.
- Iowa Poison Control calls involving kratom increased nearly 500% since 2024, with 68 calls recorded this year; State Medical Director Robert Kruse warned, "Availability does not equal safety."
- DPS Commissioner Stephan Bayens placed retailers "on notice" following the federal action, as agents seized roughly 300 products valued at more than $20,000 from one store.
- In the coming months, the Iowa Board of Pharmacy will initiate parallel state investigations, while Reynolds hopes lawmakers approve a full ban next year.
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Iowa officials target kratom as state reports 45 related deaths since 2024
DES MOINES, Iowa – Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds and state health officials are raising concerns about kratom as officials report an increase in kratom-associated deaths and exposure calls across the state. State leaders, including Gov. Reynolds, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS), gathered to [...]
Iowa Gov. Reynolds calls for kratom ban as feds adopt new ...
·Des Moines, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources19
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center11Last UpdatedBias Distribution85% Center
Bias Distribution
- 85% of the sources are Center
85% Center
15%
C 85%
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