Over the past few weeks, California kratom consumers and small businesses have been thrown into confusion. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced that it is unlawful to sell kratom as a food, dietary supplement, or drug in the state. This sweeping statement doesn’t distinguish between safe, lab-tested kratom and unknown products. It doesn’t give clear guidance to consumers or retailers. And it bypasses a more reasonable path: sensible regulation that puts safety first without erasing consumer choice.