Governor Kim Reynolds Wants a ‘Total Ban’ on This Gas Station Product
Governor Kim Reynolds reiterated her desire for a "total ban" on a popular product sold in gas stations, liquor stores, and convenience stores. The product in question comes in the form of liquid, capsules, powder, and even gummies.
That item is kratom, which is typically marketed as a natural or herbal supplement for pain and anxiety. Depending on the amount taken, kratom can act as a stimulant at low doses and an opioid-like sedative at high doses, per Yale Medicine.
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Why Kratom is Controversial and Has the Attention of Governor Reynolds:
At a press conference on Tuesday, September 1st, Reynolds stressed again that kratom is dangerous and that its accessibility poses a risk for everyone:
Kratom is not a supplement, it is not a medicine, and it is not safe. These products are widely accessible, often sitting on shelves in gas stations and convenience stores, and many Iowans may not realize the serious risks they pose - Governor Kim Reynolds, per Iowa Capital Dispatch
Since 2024, 45 kratom-associated deaths have been confirmed in Iowa alone. 16 of those deaths happened within the first seven months of 2026. The Iowa Capital Dispatch added that Iowa Poison Control has received 68 calls so far this year related to kratom use/exposure.
Kratom contains psychoactive compounds, including 7‑hydroxymitragynine, known as 7‑OH, which acts on opioid receptors in the brain. Their effects can be powerful, and can also lead to dependence, overdose, and even death.
I've never tried kratom, though I've seen it present in almost every gas station and liquor store I visit. While I use nicotine pouches, I personally draw the line at pills and liquid shots I find at gas stations, especially those brightly colored, nebulous energy pills. My system doesn't need kratom; I'm naturally anxious and stimulated as is.
Kratom Legislation in Iowa:
Earlier this year, the Iowa House passed (69-26) House File 2133, which would have designated kratom products as Schedule I hallucinogenic substances. Per Iowa Capital Dispatch, people found possessing kratom would have faced a misdemeanor charge for their first offense, an aggravated misdemeanor for their second, and a Class D felony charge for subsequent offenses.
But the Senate version's of the bill, Senate File 2192, never made it to the floor for a vote. As of this writing, kratom products remain legal for both sale and possession. Governor Reynolds said Tuesday she would continue to advocate for a "total ban" of the products as a whole in Iowa.
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The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration states that kratom consumption can lead to addiction, and that "several cases of psychosis resulting from use of kratom have been reported." You can find out more about Governor Kim Reynolds' stance on kratom on the Iowa Capital Dispatch's website.