In a recent announcement, the United States Coast Guard highlighted a growing national concern: the rise of unregulated substances that threaten the safety, health, and readiness of the force. Consequently, on May 12th the Coast Guard issued a ban on Kratom and its psychoactive compounds. In a similar update, the use of psilocin, the active ingredient in “magic mushrooms”, was added to the panel of routinely tested drugs. Together, these actions provide a proactive stance on emerging substances that may impair judgement, compromise safety, or undermine the workforce.
While the updated policy applies only to military personnel, the change in policy provides an important lesson for employers navigating today’s rapidly shifting substance landscape.
Kratom: a legal but high-risk substance
Kratom is a plant native to south-east Asia and is widely sold in the U.S. in powders, capsules, teas, gummies, vape products, and liquid shots. Although legal in 44 states, Kratom carries significant risks. The use of Kratom is associated with increased risk of liver damage, renal failure, psychosis, addiction, and overdose, according to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). Learn more about Kratom here.
The Coast Guard’s new general order prohibits its members from ingesting, possessing, or distributing Kratom or its active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. Violations of this order could result in administrative or disciplinary actions, such as forfeiture of pay, rank, or dishonorable discharge.
This move aligns the Coast Guard with the Department of Defense which banned Kratom late last year, due to growing concerns about the readiness of combat forces and dangers this substance presents to defense and protection of the nation.
Psilocin – “magic mushrooms”
Psilocin is the psychoactive compound that is produced from the ingestion of “magic mushrooms”. This substance is classified as a Schedule I substance by the DEA, under the Controlled Substance Act and therefore its use has long been illegal under the Uniform Code of Military Justice. What is new is the Coast Guard’s ability to test for psilocin during routine screenings.
The policy change emphasized the hallucinogenic effects of this drug such as disorientation, paranoia, anxiety, and distorted perception, which would compromise military duties and safety.
The Coast Guard’s actions reflect a larger national pattern that workplaces are confronting with new emerging substances that fall outside traditional drug-testing panels but pose a safety concern and performance risk. From Kratom to delta-8-THC, to psilocin, to novel synthetics, the landscape is shifting rapidly and policies must adjust accordingly.
Sources
- Kime, P. (2026). Coast Guard bans kratom, similar drugs immediately. Military Times. https://www.militarytimes.com/news/your-military/2026/05/12/coast-guard-bans-kratom-similar-drugs-immediately
- Ksiezopolski, P. (2026). Coast Guard adds psilocin to drug testing panel, prohibits all kratom use. U.S. Coast Guard – MyCG News. https://www.mycg.uscg.mil/News/Article/4485358/coast-guard-adds-psilocin-to-drug-testing-panel-prohibits-all-kratom-use/
