Gov. Kim Reynolds is calling for a full ban on the plant-based stimulant kratom as the federal government moves to restrict several potent variants of the product. Reynolds, joined by law enforcement and public health professionals, said at a news conference Tuesday, Sept. 1, that Iowa has seen 16 kratom-related deaths so far in 2026, an uptick from 16 deaths in 2025 and 13 deaths in 2024. "We’re at a point where this issue cannot be ignored any longer," Reynolds said. The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and Department of Justice on Aug. 26 classified three synthetic kratom products — mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15 and MGM-16 — as Schedule I controlled substances, making them illegal to possess. A similar move is coming soon for the synthetic 7-OH variant. Tap the link in our bio for more on this story. #Iowa #IApolitics #IAlegis