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Sep 2, 2026

Governor Newsom announces nearly 15,300 illegal hemp, kratom and 7-OH products removed from California store shelves

What you need to know: Governor Newsom announces California's enforcement efforts have removed 7,403 illegal hemp products and 7,888 prohibited kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products from store shelves, with compliance reaching 99.33% for hemp and 97.75% for kratom and 7-OH among Alcoholic Beverage Control licensees.

SACRAMENTO – While California continues strengthening safeguards around intoxicating products, Governor Gavin Newsom today announced continued near-universal compliance among California businesses with state laws prohibiting the sale of intoxicating hemp products and kratom and 7-OH products for consumption.

Among Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) licensees, 99.33% are following the law by not selling illegal hemp products and 97.75% are following the law by not selling deadly kratom/7-OH items.

The effort is part of California's broader work to protect consumers, close regulatory loopholes, and keep products that do not comply with state laws out of the marketplace.

If a product is sold in California, people should be able to trust that it follows the law. We've made the rules clear, giving businesses the opportunity to comply, and we're holding accountable those who don't. That's how you protect kids and consumers while standing up for responsible businesses doing things the right way.

Governor Gavin Newsom

Results show continued progress in California's enforcement

Updated enforcement results include:

• Hemp
  • 23,667 site visits
  • 158 violations
  • 99.3% compliance
  • 7,403 products removed from store shelves
• Kratom/7-OH
  • 8,038 site visits
  • 181 violations
  • 97.75% compliance
  • 7,888 products removed from store shelves

California's compliance rates reflect an approach centered on working directly with retailers to help them understand and achieve compliance with state law, backed by targeted enforcement action.

Keeping dangerous products off store shelves

California was among the first states to take aggressive statewide enforcement action against products containing kratom and 7-OH after growing evidence linked these products to serious health risks, including overdose, addiction, and other adverse health outcomes according to the California Department of Public Health (CDPH). These products have not been tested for safety, consistency, effectiveness, or accurate labeling and have not been approved for sale by the FDA. When combined with alcohol, prescription medications, or other substances, they can cause severe respiratory depression and fatal outcomes.

The California Department of Public Health has warned that kratom and 7-OH products have been linked to serious health risks, including addiction, overdose and other adverse health outcomes.

California will continue working with retailers, manufacturers and local partners to ensure compliance and keep dangerous products out of communities.

Businesses that fail to comply with state law may face administrative disciplinary action, including suspension or revocation of state licenses, among other penalties.

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Protecting California's kids

California's broader approach to intoxicating products includes strong safeguards to protect children and young people.

Governor Newsom recently signed Assembly Bill 2249, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), strengthening California's protections against cannabis packaging, labeling, advertising and marketing that appeal to children. The law provides clearer standards for regulators and licensed businesses and restricts imagery associated with children's entertainment, including cartoons, candy and sweets.

California has also strengthened restrictions on THC-containing consumable hemp products and established a minimum purchase age of 21.

At the same time, the state continues coordinated enforcement against illegal cannabis activity through the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force, which the Governor created in 2022 to disrupt illegal cannabis operations and protect communities and legitimate businesses.

Resources for businesses and consumers

The following resources have been developed to raise awareness of the health risks and the fact that it is illegal to sell these products for consumption:

• ABC licensee advisory reminds businesses that kratom and 7-OH products are illegal to sell for consumption and informs retailers about ABC enforcement actions.
• Kratom fact sheet for local environmental health agencies who may want to take voluntary action or educational efforts on kratom and 7-OH in their jurisdictions.
• Letter to tobacco retailers that kratom and 7-OH products are illegal to sell for consumption and that retailers may be subject to legal actions and enforcement measures.
• Health care provider advisory with information about kratom and 7-OH, clinical recommendations and additional resources and references.  

Consumers are advised to avoid using kratom-derived or 7-OH products as they are dangerous, illegal, and potentially deadly. To reduce risk of overdose, anyone who may use 7-OH is advised to never mix with alcohol or other drugs, know the signs of overdose, and carry naloxone. Naloxone is a life-saving medication used to reverse an opioid overdose, including overdose related to heroin, fentanyl, prescription opioid medications or 7-OH.

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Anyone experiencing adverse effects after consuming these products should contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or visit poisonhelp.org. To report the unlawful sale of these products, consumers may call the CDPH Complaint Hotline at (800) 495-3232 or submit an electronic report.

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