Rep. Tim Turner, R-Kinta, announced Friday that he intends to pursue legislation during the 61st Oklahoma Legislature to ban dangerous kratom-derived compounds linked to deaths in the state.
Turner said his legislation will seek to place kratom alkaloids and concentrated or synthetically enhanced compounds—including 7-Hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), Mitragynine Pseudoindoxyl and Dihydro-7-Hydroxymitragynine (MGM-15)—under Schedule I of the Oklahoma Uniform Controlled Dangerous Substances Act. A former sheriff and narcotics officer, Turner said he is concerned that kratom-derived products are readily available on convenience store shelves across Oklahoma.
From January through June 2026, the Oklahoma Office of the Chief Medical Examiner reported 38 deaths involving one of the identified compounds alone. Another 73 deaths involved at least one of the compounds in combination with another intoxicating drug or substance.
The office reported that these substances can produce potent opioid-like effects and, when taken alone or with other sedating substances, can increase the likelihood of severe respiratory depression and death. The agency attributed the rise in deaths to ease of accessibility, unregulated content, promotion as dietary supplements and vague package labeling.
Turner said he is already working with law enforcement officials and prosecutors to develop the legislation and intends to work with fellow lawmakers, medical professionals and affected families. The bill introduction deadline for the first session of the 61st Oklahoma Legislature is January 14, 2027, with the first day of session on February 1.
Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics Director Donnie Anderson said the state's current law limits his agency's ability to investigate suppliers of synthetically enhanced kratom products. District 27 District Attorney Jack Thorp also emphasized the need for lawmakers to address product safety, noting that kratom in combination with common medications like Benadryl has contributed to deaths.