Hello Advocates,
The last two weeks have moved fast! Thanks to your engagement, presence, and willingness to act quickly, we’re seeing real impact. Here’s where things stand and what’s coming next.
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California Update: Wins, Challenges, and Momentum
The City of Los Angeles – A Critical Win, But the Fight is Not Over
Last week, a proposed all-out ban on kratom and 7-OH in the City of Los Angeles was tabled. That outcome happened because 7-HOPE and our advocates showed up early and in force.
More than 50 pro-kratom and 7-OH public comments were submitted in advance, and Jackie, along with community advocates, attended the meeting in person to engage directly with decision-makers. That presence mattered. The item was not rushed forward, and the proposed ban was tabled for now.
This was an important win and a clear demonstration of what organized, informed advocacy can accomplish. At the same time, we know this issue will come back. We are continuing to monitor City activity closely so we are prepared for the next round.
Los Angeles County – Still in Motion
In Los Angeles County, the outcome was not what we were hoping for. A motion moving towards a ban did advance, although in the form of a study. That said, we showed up, made our voices heard, and strengthened relationships that will matter as this process continues.
We are now actively monitoring next steps and expect additional movement ahead. When that happens, we will need advocates ready to respond quickly. This is exactly why we are strengthening our action groups and real-time updates — and why we so deeply appreciate everyone who has been acting with us as developments unfold.
Sacramento – February 18 *IMPORTANT*
In-Person is So Important but Also Submit Letters
On February 18, there will be an informational hearing in Sacramento in front of the Senate Health Committee to have an opportunity to learn more about kratom and 7-OH from consumers, scientists and other stakeholders.
While no vote will occur on February 18, the information shared will directly shape how lawmakers approach AB 1088 and future policy decisions.
Advocates are needed to attend in person if possible. While we are not yet certain if advocates will be able to provide public comment, we will wear our yellow shirts - or if you can, wear yellow - and show that We Are All Kratom and there are a lot of us!
Please sign up here to attend in-person here:
https://7hopealliance.org/sacramento-advocate-support-sign-up/
If you are unable to attend in-person, please consider submitting position papers online. You can submit through the online portal (we have included how below). Please note in your position that AB1088 is a defacto BAN on 7-OH, how 7-OH has helped you, and that AB1088 should NOT include a cap on 7-OH, as that is only designed to protect one product over another.
- You will need to create an account
- Let them know you are a not a lobbyist and that you are not an organization
- Put in your name, address is optional (best if CA, if not you can skip)
- They will email you a password that you will change when you login
- After you are registered, type in AB “1088” and click search. The session type is “Regular" and drop down and select “Health Committee" under senate
- Select “OPPOSE”
- You can either then copy and paste your letter or upload one (PDF preferred)
Please txt us with any questions: 818-287-6644
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Missouri Alert: Possible Emergency Hearing on HB 1614
On Tuesday in Kansas City, MO we attended a hearing on a city wide ban on 7-OH that did not go well for us. We are monitoring this one and will keep you updated.
That said, there is another challenge to 7-OH statewide in Missouri.
We are expecting a House Emerging Issues Committee hearing in Jefferson City on Monday evening, February 16 at 6:00 PM related to House Bill 1614, which would ban 7-OH statewide. While this hearing is not yet confirmed, multiple sources indicate it is likely. If scheduled, this could move quickly.
If the hearing is confirmed, we will need:
- Missouri residents to call lawmakers
- Missouri advocates to attend in person in Jefferson City
We want to prioritize Missouri-based advocates first, as local voices carry the most weight, but will let others outside of Missouri know what they can do ASAP.
If you are in Missouri, please text “Missouri” to 818-287-6644 or sign up to attend day of HERE: https://7hopealliance.org/missouri-advocate-support-sign-up/
More details will follow as soon as we receive confirmation - but please let us know if you are in the Missouri area as soon as possible!
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Tennessee Update: Multiple Bills Targeting Kratom & 7-OH
Tennessee is currently facing upwards of seven separate bills that could significantly restrict or outright ban kratom and 7-OH products across the state.
At this time, there is no immediate action alert, but the volume of legislation moving in Tennessee signals a coordinated effort that could escalate quickly.
Tennessee has historically been an important state in the kratom and 7-OH conversation, and we must be prepared to mobilize quickly if hearings are scheduled.
If you are in Tennessee, please sign up for our Tennessee Action Group so we can alert you the moment action is needed:
If you are in Tennessee, please text “Tennessee” to 818-287-6644 or sign HERE: https://7hopealliance.org/tennessee-advocate-support/
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Other Bills We are Watching
Several other states are moving quickly. Here is where things stand:
- South Dakota – HB 1151
- Full ban proposal - Hearing scheduled for February 12 at 7:30 am
- Register electronically to testify: https://sdlegislature.gov/testify/302516
- Kansas – SB 497
- Proposal to classify 7-OH as Schedule I
- Hearing scheduled for February 12, 8:30 AM Room 142-S;
- Submit testimony at Public.Health.Welfare@senate.ks.gov. All testimony submissions must be in pdf format.
- Kansas – HB 2765
- Full ban proposal
- Hearing was Today at 1:30 pm
- Submit testimony at Health.Human.Services@house.ks.gov. All testimony submissions must be in pdf format.
- Iowa – SF 2192
- Proposal to classify 7-OH as Schedule I
- Reported out of committee and advancing
We are actively gathering more information on each of these bills and will share state-specific action steps as soon as possible.
If you live in one of these states, please text the name of your state to 818-287-6644 so we can send you urgent updates and instructions if action is needed.
Local voices matter. If your state is listed above, now is the time to stay plugged in.
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Community Update: Advocates Showing Up
Last week, we held a virtual advocates meeting that brought together more than 60 advocates from across the country. The energy, questions, and shared commitment reinforced something that we are SO proud of:
7-HOPE believes in the power of the whole plant and is actively advocating for both kratom and 7-OH. Whether you support kratom, 7-OH or both, all are welcome to join us!
This meeting centered on community, coordination, and clarity. If you missed it or want to rewatch, you can do so here: https://youtu.be/ZiRz8OrOQSc
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In the News
USA Today published a new op-ed highlighting why bans on 7-OH risk undermining harm reduction and consumer safety.
READ HERE: I rely on kratom to ease chronic pain. Banning it is shortsighted. | Opinion
These conversations are opening doors, and they’re happening because advocates continue to speak up.
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Join an Action Group - When We Show Up, We Win!
Our recent progress has been driven by local advocates taking action. The Los Angeles and Sacramento action groups have been pivotal in organizing comments, showing up in person, and responding quickly as developments unfolded.
At the same time, the fight in Florida is heating up, and we are expanding early engagement across the South with the launch of our new Southern Action Group, supporting advocates in Mississippi, Tennessee, and surrounding states.
If you want to stay informed and be ready to act when it matters, join an action group below:
Sacramento Action Group
https://7hopealliance.org/save-7-oh-in-ca/
Los Angeles Action Group
https://7hopealliance.org/save-7-oh-in-la/
Florida Action Group
https://7hopealliance.org/save-7-oh-in-fl
NEW: Southern Action Group (Mississippi, Tennessee, and surrounding states)
https://7hopealliance.org/save-kratom-and-7-oh-in-the-south/
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Get Text Updates
Things are moving fast. If you’re not already signed up for text alerts, we strongly recommend it. This is how we’ll reach you when immediate action is needed.
Sign up by texting “WeAreAllKratom” to 818-287-6644
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A Note from Jackie
None of this happens without you.
The momentum we’re seeing right now — from LA to Sacramento to national media — is the direct result of advocates refusing to sit on the sidelines. Your comments, your presence, your questions, and your willingness to act quickly are what give 7-HOPE its strength.
Thank you for standing with us. Onward to the next fight.
With gratitude,
Jackie Subeck
On behalf of the 7-HOPE Alliance