WA HB2291

Establishes a licensing system through the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board for kratom retailers ($1,000 fee) and processors ($1,000 fee), requiring criminal background checks and prohibiting any person from holding both license types

Prohibits sale of kratom products to persons under 21, with graduated penalties for retailers ranging from $1,000 for first violations to license revocation for five or more violations within three years

Requires mandatory product testing by ISO-accredited laboratories, limits 7-hydroxymitragynine to 2% of alkaloid composition, bans synthetic kratom compounds and controlled substance additives, and mandates child-resistant packaging

Imposes an 11% excise tax on retail kratom sales, with revenues deposited into a new Youth Regulated Substance Prevention Account (75% for public health education, 25% for administration)

Bans online and mail-order sales of kratom products, prohibits public consumption, and preempts local governments from imposing additional kratom-specific licensing or fees; effective January 1, 2027