Kratom is available online, in smoke shops, wellness stores, and even at farmers’ markets. It’s legal in the United States under federal law, but certain countries have prohibited its sale. With such broad access, you may have concerns about the herbal’s safety or legality.
In 2016, the Narcotic Enforcement Administration categorized Kratom as a schedule 1 substance, making it illegal. This makes everyone wonder, is Kratom legal? Continue reading to learn which states accept Kratom and which deems it illegal.
What Is Kratom?
Kratom is a psychoactive herbal derived from the Mitragyna Speciosa plant found in:
- Indonesia
- Malaysia
- Papua New Guinea
- Thailand
Buyers will order it as leaf powder, or in capsules. In the nineteenth century, people in Southeast Asia would cultivate it for its ability to enhance mood and provide a sense of wellbeing.
What Is Gold Kratom?
Gold Kratom is a specialized strain of Kratom that contains at least two distinct strains. It’s a ‘hybridized’ Kratom product that promotes relaxation.
The guideline for gold kratom is to start small and increase gradually.
Is Kratom Legal in My State?
Kratom is federally unregulated in the United States. This means that no official agency inspects or certifies the quality or safety of kratom products sold in the United States. The Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) classifies Kratom as a restricted substance.
Although Kratom is legally lawful on a federal level, several states and localities have decided to prohibit its sale, possession, and cultivation. Others have placed limits on admission based on age. The following is a summary of the legal status of Kratom in each state:
Illegal
It is unlawful to purchase, sell, possess, or consume Kratom in:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Indiana
- State of Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
- Kratom is legal, but it is subject to regulation:
- Alaska
- Arizona – The KCPA was enacted
- California — Except for San Diego
- Colorado-Except for Denver
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida — Except for Sarasota County
- Georgia – Adoption of the KCPA
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Outside of Jerseyville, Illinois, Kratom is legal for anyone above the age of 18.
- Iowa
- Louisiana
- Kentucky
- Kansas City
- Massachusetts
- Maine
- Minnesota
- Maryland
- Montana
- Michigan
- Mississippi — With the exception of Union County, where the drug is illegal, Kratom is legal in Mississippi.
- Missouri
- Nevada – Adoption of the KCPA
- Nebraska
- Kratom is allowed in New Hampshire for individuals above the age of 18.
- Mexico Nuevo
- State of New Jersey
- New York City
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Oregon
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Kratom is legal in Tennessee for individuals above the age of 21.
- Texas
- Utah – Adoption of the KCPA
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia West Virginia
- Wyoming
Fortunately, some states legalize Kratom.
States That Legalize Kratom in 2021
Kratom’s legal status can change, so these are only the current situation in 2021.
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Iowa
- Idaho
- Kentucky
- Kansas
- Maine
- Louisiana
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Massachusetts
- Missouri
- Minnesota
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- Nebraska
- New York
- North Dakota
- New Mexico
- Oklahoma
- Pennsylvania
- Ohio
- South Carolina
- Oregon
- Wisconsin
- South Dakota
- Utah
- Texas
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
The above list features states that 100 percent allow Kratom.
Is Kratom Legal Outside the United States?
Laws governing Kratom differ significantly outside of the United States. Kratom is banned in the following countries:
- Australia
- Denmark
- Israel
- Finland
- Latvia
- Japan
- Lithuania
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Poland
- Russia
- Romania
- Korea, South
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Sweden
- Vietnam
In nations like Ireland, Italy, and the United Kingdom, the regulations differ per city. It’s also worth noting that the legal status of Kratom is still a mystery in certain nations. For instance, it is unclear if it is allowed in several African countries and China.
Why Isn’t Kratom Legal Throughout the World?
Despite being bought and sold in certain parts of the globe, Kratom is regarded as an herbal substance. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not endorsed kratom for its ability to promote wellness.
Numerous cities and states have banned Kratom based on these facts. They believe that by making it illegal, they can protect people from severe health consequences and potential addiction. Futher research is required on Kratom to dismiss myths and misunderstandings about the herbal substance.
Recent Developments in the Legality of Kratom
The legal environment around Kratom is constantly changing. The following are some of the most recent changes to the legal status of Kratom:
Oregon Amends Its Regulations
Oregon imposed several limitations on Kratom in early 2020. One of the limitations is the age limit of 21 for anybody producing or selling the product. Oregon is one of 19 states where the Kratom Consumer Protection Act is aggressively enforced.
Utah Maintains Kratom Legality
Utah approved legislation making it lawful with certain restrictions to avoid issues and other risks associated with impure Kratom. Legislators have imposed restrictions on who may sell it, how it can be produced, how it can be branded, and who can purchase it.
Kratom Remains Unregulated in Mississippi
A few local governments in Mississippi have prohibited Kratom, but the state vetoed it in March 2020. Mississippi became one of the few states in the South to take no stance on the drug. Alabama and Arkansas, which border Georgia, have outlawed it, while Georgia has enacted restrictions.
How Old Must You Be to Purchase Kratom?
Because Kratom is not federally regulated, age restrictions vary by state and even between towns, counties, and cities within a state. There are no age limits in most states, but there are still some exceptions. Because laws are subject to change, you should still consult with local authorities in your state.
Where To Buy Kratom?
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