Federal Government Clarifies the Line Between Botanical Kratom and Synthetics: Former Congressman and the American Kratom Association to Explain What the New Federal Policy Means for Georgians

ATLANTA, GA, November 10, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Former U.S. Congressman Jack Kingston and the American Kratom Association (AKA) will hold a press conference at the Hyatt Regency Atlanta on Thursday, November 12, on the federal government's new kratom policy and what it means for Georgia. In October 2026, the U.S. Department of Justice, the Drug Enforcement Administration, and the Department of Health and Human Services drew a clear, science-based line between natural kratom leaf and synthetic, concentrated products sold under the kratom name: the synthetics were scheduled, and natural kratom was not. Details are at americankratompolicy.org.

That clarity arrives as Georgia heads into a 2027 session where a kratom ban bill is expected, and as the state's outgoing Attorney General has called for removing all kratom products — a position at odds with the federal record. Congressman Kingston will discuss how Georgia can follow the federal lead by regulating natural kratom and enforcing against synthetics. Georgia kratom consumers will speak to their own experience and will be available to media for interviews following the program.

AKA will also directly address Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr's call for the voluntary removal of all kratom products and what that would mean for Georgia's botanical kratom consumers, who advocate for access to safely formulated, accurately labeled, and age-restricted kratom products.

Press Conference Details

What: Press conference addressing the October 2026 DOJ, DEA, and HHS regulatory actions, their implications for Georgia policy, and why proposed state-level bans misalign with federal scientific findings.
Who: Jack Kingston, Former U.S. Congressman; Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy, American Kratom Association; Georgia Natural Kratom Consumers & Advocates
When: Thursday, November 12, 2026 | 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time
Where: Hyatt Regency Atlanta (Kennesaw Meeting Room), 265 Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30303
Livestream: Broadcast live via YouTube at youtube.com/@americankratomassociation. Media unable to attend in person may submit advance questions to press@americankratom.org.
Media Availability: Congressman Kingston, AKA leadership, and Georgia advocates will be available for one-on-one interviews immediately following the formal remarks.

Background: Natural Kratom Is Not "Synthetic Kratom"

Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a Southeast Asian tree whose leaves have been consumed for centuries and are under active NIH-funded study. In recent years, bad actors have synthesized novel opioid compounds — chemically manipulated 7-OH, MGM-15 and MGM-16 — and sold them under the kratom name. These products do not share natural kratom's alkaloid profile, pharmacology, or safety history, and federal regulators have now formally recognized that distinction. AKA supports age restrictions, accurate labeling, contaminant testing, good manufacturing practices, and strong enforcement against synthetic and adulterated products falsely marketed as kratom — and opposes blanket bans that push consumers to an unregulated market. Learn more at americankratompolicy.org.

About American Kratom Association (AKA)

The American Kratom Association is a consumer advocacy organization dedicated to protecting access to safely manufactured, properly labeled natural kratom products. The AKA advocates for science-based regulation, enforceable manufacturing standards, independent product testing, accurate labeling, and decisive action against adulterated, chemically manipulated, and dangerously formulated opioid products. For more information, visit americankratom.org.

Important Disclosures

The American Kratom Association (AKA) is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit advocacy organization. This press release is issued for informational and public policy purposes only. The information contained herein reflects policy analysis regarding federal administrative actions and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or medical advice. Statements regarding natural kratom leaf products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers should consult qualified healthcare professionals regarding personal medical decisions.

Media Contact

Mac Haddow
Senior Fellow on Public Policy
press@americankratom.org
+1 571-294-5978

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SOURCE: American Kratom Association (AKA)

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