A federal lawsuit challenging Utah's restrictions on certain kratom products has been dropped, ensuring the state's existing ban on most forms of the plant remains in effect. Court records reviewed late last month indicate that attorneys for Botanic Tonics LLC and the Global Kratom Coalition reached an agreement with the Utah Attorney General's Office to dismiss both a federal lawsuit and an appeal before the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. This means that for residents, commuters, and families across Northern Utah, the only kratom products permitted for sale are those categorized as "pure leaf kratom."
The agreement between the parties was formalized in a joint motion filed with the court. Ronald Price, an attorney for Botanic Tonics, noted in the filing that "The Parties have resolved this matter" and agreed to dismiss the appeal and the underlying district court case. The motion further specified that each party would bear its own attorney fees, costs, and expenses as part of the resolution.
A key factor in the dismissal, according to a spokesperson for Utah Attorney General Derek Brown's office, was Botanic Tonics' submission and subsequent approval of a new pure leaf kratom product. The spokesperson confirmed in a statement that Botanic Tonics recently submitted this product to the Utah Department of Agriculture for review. After the department reviewed and approved the product, Botanic Tonics proceeded to dismiss its lawsuit.
Botanic Tonics LLC did not respond to an inquiry through its website seeking comment on the settlement that led to the lawsuit's dismissal.
The state legislature has previously grappled with various approaches to regulating kratom. In the 2026 legislative session, lawmakers considered competing bills that aimed either to enact outright bans or to severely restrict the sale and use of kratom products. During these legislative discussions, individuals presented testimony arguing that kratom had aided them in avoiding opioid addictions, while others raised alarms about significant health harms associated with the plant.
This legislative debate included a notable moment on the House floor. During discussions, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' "Word of Wisdom" was sarcastically inserted into a bill and subsequently debated by lawmakers, highlighting the contentious nature of the issue.
Looking ahead, state officials indicate that the legislative conversation around kratom may not be over. Sen. Mike McKell, a Republican from Spanish Fork who originally sponsored the ban now in place, has suggested he may seek to implement an all-out ban on kratom products during the upcoming legislative session. This indicates that the legal status and availability of kratom could again become a significant topic for Utah residents and businesses.
