According to a report in the Military Times, the U.S. Navy recently announced a service-wide ban on the consumption of kratom, mitragynine, and 7-hydroxymitragynine. This policy took effect on January 14, 2026 and targets the organic opioid native to Southeast Asia, which the Navy warns can cause serious health issues such as seizures, tachycardia, hypertension, and even death.
At King Military Law, we understand that even a single administrative or disciplinary hurdle — including a military law violation involving a banned substance that can place your security clearance at risk — can feel like a war for your future, and we are here to help you win it.
The Legal Risks of Banned Substances Under Military Law: Article 92 and Beyond
For service members, the consequences of using banned substances — whether through capsules, shots, or edibles — are severe. If you are discovered to have used kratom through urinalysis or other investigative means, you face administrative or disciplinary action — including possible administrative separation — for violating UCMJ Article 92, “failure to obey a lawful order or regulation.”
This new policy could trigger a series of career-threatening battles, including:
- Non-Judicial Punishment (NJP)/Article 15: Disciplinary actions that can derail your promotion timeline and record.
- Administrative Separation (ADSEP): Boards that may seek to end your military service and jeopardize the benefits you have earned.
- Court-Martial Charges: Depending on the severity of the allegations, you could face formal criminal charges under the UCMJ.
How King Military Law Can Help with Military Defense for Article 92 Violations
When you are facing a legal difficulty that threatens your career such as use of Kratom, you need a law firm composed of lawyers and paralegals that are thoroughly familiar with military practice. With over a century of combined military law experience, the attorneys at King Military Law—including retired military attorneys and military judges—provide the aggressive and dedicated defense you deserve.
If these new regulations impact your career, our firm is prepared to:
- Aggressively defend your case at an administrative separation board to fight for your retention and benefits.
- Advise you on your rights and represent you at NJP hearings to achieve the best possible resolution.
- Protect your rights in a court-martial, building the strongest possible case to safeguard your future.
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Don’t Let a Banned Substance Allegation End Your Military Career
A new regulation or investigation involving a banned substance like kratom can quickly place your military career, benefits, and reputation at risk. These cases move fast — and early legal guidance often makes the difference between retention and separation.
If you or a loved one is facing an Article 92 violation, Nonjudicial Punishment, administrative separation, or possible court-martial related to banned substances, know that experienced help is available.
At King Military Law, we understand the immense sacrifice you and your family have made for this Nation. We believe you deserve a capable attorney to navigate these challenging processes with confidence. We offer free consultations with experienced attorneys and represent service members worldwide across all branches of the armed forces. From our office in Seattle, we frequently assist military members stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord (JBLM), Naval Station Everett, Naval Base Kitsap, and other installations throughout Washington and the Pacific Northwest.
Contact King Military Law today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced military defense attorney and protect the career you’ve worked so hard to build.
