On January 13, SSDP, 7-HOPE Alliance, and other coalition members gathered in Sacramento for a focused Lobby Day to oppose the criminalization of kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH). The proposal was being fast-tracked through the legislature, leaving little time for meaningful review or public input — which is exactly why we had to mobilize quickly and step in.

The bill threatened to criminalize adults and undermine public health efforts in the name of “safety,” repeating failed approaches California has worked hard to move beyond.

We’re deeply grateful to everyone who showed up in person and especially to those who called their legislators from home on short notice. Your voices made a difference at a critical moment.

SSDP, 7-HOPE Alliance, and other allies played a key role in stopping SB758, a bill which would make 7-OH a Schedule I substance and prohibit retailers from selling nitrous oxide, applying the tired drug war policies to new classes of substances (and criminalizing new communities as a result). 

Throughout the day, SSDPers testified before the Senate Public Safety Committee, clearly outlining the risks of prohibition and emphasizing the need for evidence-based policy. We highlighted how criminalization would push consumers into unregulated markets, strain enforcement resources, and fail to address real safety concerns.

In addition to committee testimony, SSDP participated in legislative meetings and coordinated educational folder drop-offs to ensure lawmakers had accurate, science-based information about kratom and 7-OH.

Thanks to strategic advocacy and strong coalition coordination, the bill was successfully halted in Senate Appropriations.

This victory underscores the power of organized, informed advocacy. SSDP remains committed to advancing sensible drug policy and opposing reactionary criminalization efforts that do more harm than good.

Tell your California lawmakers NOW why rapid criminalization isn’t the answer!