Mississippi House Bill 1896, which would impose a 15% excise tax on kratom products, has been approved by the state’s Senate Finance Committee.
Kratom products.
The measure, filed by State Representative Kevin Horan (R), previously passed the full House with unanimous support in a 114 to 0 vote.
HB 1896 would establish a tax on kratom products, which include any food or dietary supplements containing kratom leaf or kratom leaf extract. The tax would be levied at 15% of the manufacturer’s list price and would apply to sales, use, consumption, handling, or distribution within Mississippi. Under the proposal, the tax burden would ultimately fall on consumers, as businesses would be allowed to pass the cost on at the point of sale.
Kratom, derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa plant, is commonly used for its stimulant and pain-relieving effects. While it remains legal in Mississippi, some jurisdictions have enacted local bans. The bill does not introduce any new restrictions on kratom but instead establishes a taxation framework similar to those applied to other regulated substances.
If enacted into law, the proposed tax would take effect on July 1, 2025.
