FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Monday, March 9, 2026
Griffin Gonzales, Mountainside: (231) 794-9450, griffin.gonzales@mountainside.com
CANAAN, CT — Connecticut has classified kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance — placing it in the same regulatory category as heroin and LSD and effectively banning its sale statewide. The move comes as new clinical data from Mountainside Treatment Center reveals that kratom-related admissions have already nearly tripled in a single year, underscoring how quietly and rapidly the substance has taken hold across the state.
Kratom products—commonly sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and online as powders, capsules, gummies, and concentrated liquid “shots”—are frequently marketed as natural supplements for energy, anxiety relief, or pain management. But with Connecticut’s new classification now pulling products from shelves, kratom experts at Mountainside are raising urgent questions about what happens to the growing number of people already dependent on the substance.
“Connecticut’s decision to schedule kratom reflects growing concern among clinicians about how widely available and accessible this substance has become,” said Jana Wu, Director of Clinical Integration at Mountainside and a national expert on kratom dependency treatment.
“In treatment settings, we’re seeing more individuals who initially began using kratom to manage anxiety, chronic pain, or withdrawal from opioids or alcohol, but over time developed tolerance and dependence,” Wu said. “The withdrawal can be brutal for people who are addicted, and when a substance is this accessible, it can make it even harder for people to stop. As policies evolve, it will be critical to ensure that people already using kratom daily have access to accurate information, treatment options, and support.”
Wu is currently visiting gas stations and smoke shops across Connecticut where kratom products are being pulled from shelves in real time as retailers rush to comply with the state’s new classification.
Clinicians say sudden bans can also create risks for people already dependent on the substance, potentially triggering withdrawal symptoms and pushing some individuals toward more dangerous opioids if adequate treatment and support are not available.
Community Education and Support
Mountainside has hosted a free, open-to-the-public kratom recovery support group since 2023, offering a space for individuals to discuss how the substance is affecting their mental and physical health, relationships, and finances.
While the group draws participants from across the United States and internationally, clinicians report that an increasing number of Connecticut residents have begun joining the group, reflecting the drug’s growing visibility locally.
Wu has also been invited to lead educational workshops for community organizations across Connecticut, including Newtown Parent Connection, where families are seeking guidance on understanding kratom and its potential risks.