Idaho Falls Bans Kratom Sales From July 1 After 47 Idaho Deaths Were Linked
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Jun 16
Idaho Falls Bans Kratom Sales From July 1 After 47 Idaho Deaths Were Linked
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Jun 16
Summary
Idaho Falls approved a ban on kratom sales that takes effect July 1, making the Bonneville County city one of the latest U.S. jurisdictions to move against the substance.
47 Idaho deaths from 2021 to 2023 listed kratom as a contributing factor, and the Bonneville County coroner separately reported four local deaths in 18 months due solely to mitragynine toxicity.
Hospitalizations tied solely to kratom rose to 538 in 2025 from 43 in 2015, according to a University of Virginia study, which linked the spike to synthetic products including 7-OH.
Statewide Idaho bills to ban kratom or only 7-OH failed earlier this year despite more than $34,000 in campaign donations from a kratom business and affiliates between 2024 and 2026.
At least eight states already ban kratom, while the industry says only synthetic versions are dangerous and some users argue the plant helps them avoid harder drugs.