The United States Navy has formally banned the use, possession, distribution and manufacture of kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) and its primary active compounds (mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine) for all sailors and Marines, implementing a broader Defense Department policy aimed at protecting force health and readiness.

The policy, issued on January 14 by Secretary of the Navy, John Phelan, in an All Navy message (ALNAV 003/26), takes effect immediately and adds kratom and its derivatives to the Department of the Navy’s Prohibited Substance list. It aligns Navy rules with a September 2025 Department of Defense directive that declared kratom use a violation of the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) for service members.

Kratom is often marketed as a natural supplement or alternative medicine, sold in forms such as capsules, teas, edibles, vapes and shots. Kratom's main active alkaloids are widely believed to act on opioid receptors and can produce stimulant or sedative effects depending on dose. However, a recent surge in synthetic kratom derivatives has seen an upsurge in states moving to ban or tighten regulation surrounding the sale and consumption of the leaf. Synthetic products are significantly more potent than natural kratom but are regularly marketed as 'natural' - misleading lawmakers and potentially dangerous for consumers.

Health and safety concerns

The Navy’s prohibition emphasizes that kratom products pose significant health risks, including seizures, high heart rate (tachycardia), liver toxicity, hypertension and even death. While not federally regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), concentrated forms of kratom compounds, especially 7-hydroxymitragynine/7-OH, may be stronger than morphine and have raised safety concerns among Pentagon officials.

Officials have noted that unregulated labeling and varying potency in commercial kratom products contribute to potential safety hazards, which the Navy says are incompatible with “good order, discipline, performance and operational readiness” in the force.

Military discipline and enforcement

Under the new directive, service members found using or possessing kratom or related compounds face administrative or disciplinary action under the UCMJ for “failure to obey a lawful general order." The ban applies regardless of the substance’s legal status under civilian law and includes products that are naturally derived, semi-synthetic or synthetic.

The message does allow for some narrowly tailored exceptions, for example, use in official law enforcement or medical contexts. It also notes that individuals who “unknowingly” consume kratom products may not be penalized, but consciously avoiding knowledge of the substance’s presence still subjects them to consequences.

Context and wider policy

The Navy’s action follows similar policies across the military. Other services such as the Army and Air Force are aligning their regulations with the DOD’s broader kratom prohibition, reflecting increasing concern over the substance’s abuse potential and lack of FDA approval.