Manatee Mother Calls for Statewide Kratom Ban After Son’s Death
A Manatee County mother is urging Florida lawmakers to ban kratom products statewide after a toxicology report found the substance in her son’s system following his death.
Mary Hough has launched a petition calling for a complete ban on kratom, including synthetic forms and products containing 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly known as 7-OH. She said the loss of her son, Timothy, has motivated her to advocate for stronger action at the state level.
Hough said Timothy, who had Asperger’s syndrome and struggled with depression throughout his life, was a caring person whose death has inspired her efforts to raise awareness about the risks she believes are associated with kratom.
Kratom, a plant-derived substance sold in powders, capsules and extracts, is marketed by some retailers as a product that may help with pain relief or opioid withdrawal. However, Hough said she is concerned that it remains readily available for purchase at smoke shops, convenience stores and gas stations.
Regulation of kratom varies across Florida. Sarasota County has adopted an ordinance prohibiting the sale of kratom, while Manatee County has been evaluating whether to implement its own local regulations.
According to a statement from Manatee County, the Board of County Commissioners directed staff in September 2025 to study Sarasota County’s ordinance and other local regulations while preparing a draft ordinance and business impact statement in consultation with law enforcement, prosecutors, public health officials and other stakeholders.
County officials said the review was intended to determine whether additional local safeguards for kratom products and retail sales would be appropriate in Manatee County.
Since then, county leaders said the state’s regulatory landscape has continued to change. Florida has taken emergency action related to 7-OH, and lawmakers considered legislation during the 2026 session that would have established statewide standards for product testing, age restrictions, product requirements and retail sales. Although the bill did not pass, county officials said the ongoing discussions have created uncertainty about whether future state action could preempt local ordinances.
As a result, Manatee County said it is continuing to monitor developments at the state level before deciding whether to move forward with a local ordinance.
Hough said she believes regulation alone is not enough and is continuing to advocate for a statewide ban on kratom products. Her petition seeks to encourage Florida lawmakers to prohibit the sale of kratom and related substances across the state.