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Kratom Legality 2021: Is Kratom Legal in My State?

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is kratom legal in my state

[Latest update: April 2021]

Kratom legality concerns any buyer, especially when it comes to their specific state. Since no law refers to all of the United States, kratom legality can be a tricky subject.

There are also times when new bans and updates just seem to pop of nowhere, and, sometimes, it can be really hard to find credible and reliable information on whether kratom is legal in a particular state.

Therefore, we’ve done the boring digging for you and compiled a list of all states within the U.S. and listed the most recent kratom legality status along with any relevant source that you may need.

If you are looking for information on kratom legality elsewhere in the world, we’ve compiled that too in a guide on kratom legality around the world. We’re just that awesome. Just kidding. We genuinely care about the reputation of kratom, the kratom community, making sure that kratom users have access to plenty of accurate information on kratom.

We do our best to update this post as soon as any changes occur. However, we are human just like you and some news updates may slip by us. So, if you notice any inaccuracies, please let us know by leaving a comment below and will make the necessary changes.

Below is a list of all 50 states along with a few details on kratom legality in each of them.

Is Kratom Legal in Alabama?

No, kratom is illegal in Alabama. In 2016, Alabama added mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine to the Schedule I Controlled Substance Act. Both are under synthetic substances which is an inaccurate classification of kratom.

Is Kratom Legal in Alaska?

Yes, kratom is legal in Alaska. People can buy kratom in tobacco shops in the largest towns in Alaska such as Anchorage, Wasilla, Fairbanks, Juneau, and Soldotna. However, because of how vast the state is, for most Alaskans the best option is to buy kratom online.

Is Kratom Legal in Arizona?

Yes, kratom is legal in Arizona. In late April 2019, Arizona passed a bill that aims to regulate it. This bill is called Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Under this bill, kratom is available for people over 18 and needs to carry labels.

Currently, one can buy kratom in Arizona locally as well as online. Some Arizona stores also have vending machines that sell kratom.

There is new legislation (here as well as here) that suggests changing the wording of the Arizona Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Currently, any person or business selling kratom is referred to as a “dealer.” The word has a negative connotation and is often used to refer to sellers of illegal drugs. The bills suggest changing that to “retailer.”

In addition to that, the two pending bills suggest making it illegal for financial institutions to terminate or refuse service to kratom retailers as well as for governmental institutions to seize kratom products from vendors unless kratom is made illegal by the DEA.

Is Kratom Legal in Arkansas?

No, kratom is illegal in Arkansas. Both primary kratom alkaloids are classified as Opioid Derivatives under Schedule I drugs of the Controlled Substance Act. There is interest in reversing the ban, and state residents have started several petitions asking for it to be considered. Nonetheless, no legislation has taken place yet.

Is Kratom Legal in California?

Yes, kratom is currently legal in most of California except for the City of San Diego. Keep in mind that kratom is illegal in San Diego City, but not the San Diego County. Therefore, you can legally buy kratom in San Diego County and the rest of the state both locally and online. This, however, may change in the future as San Diego State has considered banning it, too.

Is Kratom Legal in Colorado?

Yes, kratom is legal in Colorado. In the City of Denver, it is illegal to sell kratom for human consumption. It is still legal to sell and buy kratom in Denver.

However, vendors cannot give any advice on how to use it, and all kratom products need to carry a label that states that it is not for human consumption. There are no problems with it as long as they comply with these regulations. These regulations do not apply to the rest of the state.

In addition to that, in October 2019, Parker Town banned kratom sales. So did Monument.

Is Kratom Legal in Connecticut?

Yes, kratom is legal in Connecticut. You can buy kratom online as well as in numerous local tobacco and vape stores as well as in herb and cannabis stores.

A new bill may regulate kratom in Connecticut.

Is Kratom Legal in Delaware?

Yes, kratom is legal in Delaware. Up to this point, no intent to criminalize kratom has taken place. So, you can freely buy kratom online or locally.

Is Kratom Legal in Florida?

Yes, kratom is legal in Florida except for Sarasota County. There have been a few intents to ban kratom, but none has succeeded so far. So, it is available for sale online and locally.

There is pending legislation that may regulate kratom within Florida. Another pending bill suggests that kratom retailers should pay an annual registration fee worth $500 to the Department of Agricultural and Consumer Services.

Is Kratom Legal in Georgia?

Yes, kratom is legal in Georgia for anyone over the age of 18. There have been past attempts to ban kratom statewide none of which succeeded.

In 2019, however, the Georgia Senate unanimously voted for passing its own version of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. The bill was passed to the governor and approved in April 2019. It prohibits the sales of kratom to minors and requires vendors to label their products clearly stating the ingredients and any disclaimers.

Is Kratom Legal in Hawaii?

Yes, kratom is legal in Hawaii. There was a bill that aimed to classify the primary kratom alkaloids as Schedule V substances. However, it died in committee. So, kratom is legal and it’s possible to freely buy it in Hawaii.

Is Kratom Legal in Idaho?

Yes, kratom is legal in Idaho. While the Idaho Office of Drug Policy issues warning about kratom on their site, no prior attempt to ban kratom in the state has occurred.

Currently, there is a bill that aims to regulate kratom in Idaho.

Is Kratom Legal in Illinois?

Yes, kratom is legal in Illinois for people over the age of 18 except for the City of Jerseyville, the City of Alton, and the city of Edwardsville. There was a bill that intended to ban kratom statewide, but, fortunately, it died at the beginning of 2019.

In February 2020, two new bills were introduced: one to regulate kratom and another to ban it. Both died in committee.

Is Kratom Legal in Indiana?

No, kratom is illegal in Indiana. It is currently a Schedule I drug under Indiana law. The Indiana kratom ban took place in 2014. The American Kratom Association aims to reverse the ban and regulate kratom. However, no legislation to do so has been filed thus far.

Is Kratom Legal in Iowa?

Yes, kratom is legal in Iowa. There was an intent to ban kratom in 2014 and list it as a hallucinogenic Schedule I substance. Fortunately, it did not pass thanks to activism from kratom supporters.

Is Kratom Legal in Kansas?

Yes, kratom is legal in Kansas. In 2018, the Kansas Senate reviewed a bill that aimed to criminalize kratom and make it a Schedule I controlled substance. Due to activism from kratom advocates, the legislators passed the bill outlawing a list of different substances but chose to remove kratom from the bill.

Kansas was reviewing the Kratom Consumer Protection Act in 2019 and early 2020, but both bills failed. There is another intent to regulate kratom in Kansas in 2021.

Is Kratom Legal in Kentucky?

Yes, kratom is legal in Kentucky. There have been a few attempts to ban kratom. First, there was a bill in 2016 which intended to ban kratom in Kentucky and list it as a synthetic opioid. This bill did not succeed.

A year later, there was another bill that would have made kratom illegal. Its intent was to create Schedule A. This would have been a new category that would have included any substances that had properties similar to those of already banned substances. The bill did not succeed either.

In 2021, however, there is new pending legislation that aims to regulate kratom in Kentucky as ell as prevent financial institutions from terminating or refusing services to kratom vendors.

Is Kratom Legal in Louisiana?

Yes, kratom is legal in Louisiana. However, in May 2019, a bill to ban kratom in Louisiana was introduced. If it passed, kratom users would no longer be able to buy kratom in Louisiana. Yet, in June 2016, the bill passed with changed wording. According to it, the state will criminalize the two primary alkaloids in kratom if the DEA lists kratom as a Schedule I drug.

In 2018, the Louisiana Senate passed a bill that requested the Louisiana Department of Health to study the effects of kratom and whether it should be a controlled substance. Another bill to study the effects of kratom passed in May 2019.

Is Kratom Legal in Maine?

Yes, kratom is legal in Maine. Yet, in 2017, there was a bill that aimed to classify kratom as a Schedule W drug. Schedule W in Maine is reserved for hallucinogenic drugs such as methamphetamines. The bill passed but kratom was removed from it.

Is Kratom Legal in Maryland?

Yes, kratom is legal in Maryland. However, there is a bill that intends to ban kratom sales for those under 18 and another bill that aims to classify mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine as Schedule I substances.

Best Kratom Quiz

Is Kratom Legal in Massachusetts?

Yes, kratom is legal in Massachusetts. No legislation to ban or regulate kratom has taken place in Massachusetts.

Is Kratom Legal in Michigan?

Yes, kratom is legal in Michigan. However, on August 20, 2019, a bill with the intent to schedule kratom was introduced. If this bill passes, kratom will be a Schedule II substance and only available with a doctor’s prescription.

In 2017, there was intent to place kratom under Schedule V of the Michigan Controlled Substance Act, but the bill died.

Is Kratom Legal in Minnesota?

Yes, kratom is legal in Minnesota. There has not been any legislation to regulate or ban kratom.

Is Kratom Legal in Mississippi?

Yes and no. Kratom is legal in most of Mississippi State; however, certain counties and cities have banned kratom. According to the latest available sources, a total of 30 counties and cities in Northern Mississippi have banned kratom.

Union County, Alcorn County, Lowndes County, Monroe County, Tishomingo County, Itawamba County, Columbus City, Pontotoc, New Albany, Senatobia, and Caledonia are among locations that have banned kratom. Moreover, several other locations in Mississippi are considering banning kratom too.

In February 2020, there were two bills to ban kratom in Mississippi (this by a democrat representative and this by a republican representative). Both failed.

More information, as well as a complete list of cities and counties that have banned kratom in Mississippi, are in this post on kratom legality in Mississippi.

Is Kratom Legal in Missouri?

Yes, kratom is legal in Missouri. St. Charles country was considering banning it but paused their efforts to do so, remaining open to regulations.

Moreover, there were two bills introduced in early 2020. One intended to ban kratom, the other to regulate it. None succeeded. In late 2020, a new bill to regulate kratom was introduced. It’s been successful in three House hearings and has been directed to Senate. If it passes, kratom will be legal and regulated in Missouri State.

Is Kratom Legal in Montana?

Yes, kratom is legal in Montana. There has not been any legislation aiming to ban or regulate kratom.

Is Kratom Legal in Nebraska?

Yes, kratom is legal in Nebraska. No legislation to ban kratom or regulate it has taken place in Nebraska.

Is Kratom Legal in Nevada?

Yes, kratom is legal in Nevada and regulated by the KPCA.

Is Kratom Legal in New Hampshire?

Yes, kratom is legal in New Hampshire for those over 18. However, kratom is banned in Franklin City.

There was a bill that aimed to make kratom a controlled substance in the entire state. Though due to activism from kratom supporters, the New Hampshire Senate amended it instead and prohibited the sales of kratom to minors.

A bill introduced in February 2020 intended to ban kratom sales in the state. Fortunately, it failed.

In 2021, there is a new bill that aims to regulate kratom in New Hampshire.

Is Kratom Legal in New Jersey?

Yes, kratom is legal in New Jersey. Nonetheless, there has been legislation to ban kratom, but the bill died in committee. There have been more bills in the following years intending to criminalize kratom.

Introduced in January 2020, a new bill suggests banning kratom in New Jersey.

Is Kratom Legal in New Mexico?

Yes, kratom is legal in New Mexico. There hasn’t been any legislation to ban kratom or make it regulated.

Is Kratom Legal in New York?

Yes, kratom is legal in New York. However, there were two bills in October 2017, and November 2017, that aimed to prohibit kratom sales to minors and another one in January 2017, that aimed to ban kratom statewide. Luckily, all three bills died in committee.

In May 2019, the was a bill to regulate kratom in New York State. It ended up dying in committee. The following month, a bill to ban kratom sales for those under 18 was introduced, followed by a bill to ban kratom sales to individuals under 21. None succeeded.

In 2021, there is new pending legislation suggesting regulating kratom in New York. Two additional bills suggest setting an age limit to kratom sales – one bill intends to prohibit kratom sales for everyone under 18 whereas another aims to ban kratom sales to those under 21.

Is Kratom Legal in North Carolina?

Yes, kratom is legal in North Carolina for people older than 18. In 2015, a bill to ban kratom was introduced. Yet, due to activity from kratom supporters, it did not succeed.

Is Kratom Legal in North Dakota?

Yes, kratom is legal in North Dakota. There has been no legislation to criminalize kratom. It is legal to buy kratom online and locally.

Is Kratom Legal in Ohio?

Yes, kratom is legal in Ohio. A bill to ban kratom was introduced, but it was delayed. Instead, Ohio authorities are currently reviewing a bill on regulating kratom products.

Is Kratom Legal in Oklahoma?

Yes, kratom is legal in Oklahoma. In 2014, there was intent from the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics to ban kratom. Yet, the authorities amended it due to activism from the kratom community and left kratom out.

Oklahoma authorities were considering the Oklahoma Kratom Consumer Protection Act. Despite the initial positive feedback, the bill did not succeed.

Is Kratom Legal in Oregon?

Yes, kratom is legal in Oregon. The Oregon Senate reviewed a bill that proposed studying kratom and whether it should be a controlled substance, but the bill failed. Oregon was considering regulating kratom in 2019, yet decided against doing so. Another bill to regulate kratom filed in 2020 did not succeed either.

In 2021, there is new pending legislation aiming to regulate kratom in Oregon.

Is Kratom Legal in Pennsylvania?

Yes, kratom is legal in Pennsylvania. No legislation has taken place, but due to recent deaths that have been attributed to kratom, there are raising concerns about it.

Pennsylvania is currently reviewing a bill that aims to regulate kratom.

Is Kratom Legal in Rhode Island?

No, kratom is illegal in Rhode Island. In 2017 Rhode Island banned kratom; however, there are continuous efforts to reverse the ban and, instead, regulate kratom manufacturing, processing, and sales.

A bill to decriminalize and regulate kratom was filed in 2019 and another bill proposing Kratom Consumer Protection Act was filed in 2020, but eventually, both of them failed. The sponsors aren’t ready to give up and have filed another bill to reverse the ban and regulate kratom in 2021.

Is Kratom Legal in South Carolina?

Yes, kratom is legal in South Carolina. There has been no legislation to ban or regulate kratom.

Is Kratom Legal in South Dakota?

Yes, kratom is legal in South Dakota. A bill filed in early 2020 aimed to ban kratom in the entire state of South Dakota. The efforts did not succeed, and, in 2021, its author filed another bill, this time aiming to ban kratom sales to individuals under the age of 21.

Is Kratom Legal in Tennessee?

Yes, kratom in its natural plain leaf form is legal for individuals over 21. There was confusion about the legal status of kratom after synthetic kratom was criminalized in 2014. Therefore, the authorities clarified that kratom in its natural form is legal to buy for anyone over 21 after reviewing a bill that intended to update the controlled substances.

In 2021, a new bill was filed. It aims to allow only kratom retailers to sell kratom products as well as to make it legal to only sell kratom products in packaging that contains 5-7 oz.

Is Kratom Legal in Texas?

Yes, kratom is legal in Texas. No intent to criminalize kratom has happened to this date. In 2021, there are bills (here and here) that may regulate it.

Is Kratom Legal in Utah?

Yes, kratom is legal in Utah. In 2019, the Utah Senate passed the Kratom Customer Protection Act which requires kratom to be labeled and legal to purchase for those over the age of 18.

Is Kratom Legal in Vermont?

No, kratom is illegal in Vermont. The Vermont Senate scheduled the two primary kratom alkaloids in 2016. However, a new bill may decriminalize kratom.

Is Kratom legal in Virginia?

Yes, kratom is legal in Virginia. A bill aimed to direct the Board of Pharmacy to study whether the state should ban kratom or not. It died in committee.

Is Kratom Legal in Washington State?

Yes, kratom is legal in Washington State. There has been no legislation to ban or regulate kratom thus far. Buying kratom is legal online and locally.

Is Kratom Legal in West Virginia?

Yes, kratom is legal in West Virginia. There was a proposal to schedule kratom and other substances. The West Virginia Senate removed kratom from the bill and, eventually, the bill died in committee.

Is Kratom Legal in Wisconsin?

No, kratom is illegal in Wisconsin. In 2014, the Wisconsin Senate decided to criminalize the two primary kratom alkaloids and place them under Schedule I stimulants.

Nonetheless, after a positive hearing with the Wisconsin State Health Committee in late October 2019, the ban may be removed and the state may pass the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.

Is Kratom Legal in Wyoming?

Yes, kratom is legal in Wyoming. There has been no intent to ban or regulate it. So, it’s legal for anyone to buy kratom online or in local stores.

And finally…

Is Kratom Legal in Washington D.C.?

Yes, kratom is legal in Washington D.C. In 2106, the main kratom alkaloids were included in the Washington D.C. controlled substances act. However, 2 years later, in 2018, it was removed from it. Thus, it is possible to buy kratom in Washington D.C.

If you’ve found this post useful, make sure to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter, where we share news, kratom updates, and other articles on health-related content that we find useful. 

A Guide to Kratom Legality: Where Is Kratom Legal?

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Where is Kratom Legal?

[Latest update: November 2020]

Kratom legality is a question that concerns many. 

Users want kratom to remain legal because it helps them manage pain, stress, and anxiety, boost their mood and gain extra energy. According to testimonials and stories from users, kratom can be used instead of prescription drugs for numerous health conditions. Such as fibromyalgia, arthritis, back pain, depression, and even PTSD.

Federal agencies, on the other hand, want to ban it. They claim that kratom has no medical benefits and poses high health risks.

At the moment, kratom remains legal in certain locations. However, it’s outlawed in others and you can face serious consequences for disregarding that. There are also countries where kratom legality is unclear.

Therefore, knowing if kratom is legal or not in your geographic location is important to know before you purchase it. 

But, before we tackle this, let’s look at…

The History of Kratom Use and Legality

Relatively new to the western world, kratom was a traditional medicine in Southeast Asia for centuries. It was used as a stimulant and pain reliever, as well as for a number of conditions such as digestive disorders, intestinal parasites, and cough.

There were no rules or regulations about kratom. Peasants and workers could freely use it.

In the early 1800s, kratom was discovered by Dutch settlers. They brought kratom to Europe and started investigating it. Yet, it became popular among users only in the early 2000s.

The AKA (American Kratom Association) estimates that there are about 3-5 million kratom users in the United States. And, according to the data from 2016, kratom industry in the US was worth over a billion dollars.

Kratom Legality by Country and Continent

Kratom Legality: US

In late August 2016, the DEA (Drug Enforcement Agency) announced it’s intent to place kratom and its active components under Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act. Their reason was kratom’s opioid-like properties and concern about public safety.

While the proposal received major backlash from the public and was withdrawn, the battle for kratom continues.

Kratom Bans in the US States

Currently, kratom is legal in most of America except for the following states:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Indiana
  • Rhode Island (though Rhode Island may reverse the ban)
  • Vermont (though Vermont may reverse the ban)
  • Wisconsin (though Wisconsin may reverse the ban)

Kratom Bans in the US Cities and Counties

Kratom is also illegal in the following cities and counties:

  • San Diego in California
  • Monument Town in Colorado
  • Parker Town in Colorado
  • Sarasota County in Florida
  • Jerseyville in Illinois
  • Alton in Illinois
  • Edwardsville in Illinois
  • Alcorn County in Mississippi
  • Belmont County City in Mississippi
  • Blue Mountain City in Mississippi
  • Booneville City in Mississippi
  • Bruce City in Mississippi
  • Burnsville City in Mississippi
  • Caledonia City in Mississippi
  • Calhoun City in Mississippi
  • Calhoun County in Mississippi
  • Columbus City in Mississippi
  • Corinth City in Mississippi
  • Derma City in Mississippi
  • Fulton City in Mississippi
  • Guntown City in Mississippi
  • Itawamba County in Mississippi
  • Iuka City in Mississippi
  • Lowndes County in Mississippi
  • Mantachie City in Mississippi
  • Marietta City in Mississippi
  • Monroe County in Mississippi
  • New Albany City in Mississippi
  • Noxubee County in Mississippi
  • Okolona City in Mississippi
  • Oxford City in Mississippi
  • Pontotoc City in Mississippi
  • Prentiss County in Mississippi
  • Ripley City in Mississippi
  • Saltillo City in Mississippi
  • Senatobia City in Mississippi
  • Tippah County in Mississippi
  • Tishomingo City in Mississippi
  • Tishomingo County in Mississippi
  • Union County in Mississippi
  • Vardaman City in Mississippi
  • Franklin City in New Hampshire

In the remaining locations, it is legal to grow, possess, and use kratom. You also do not need a prescription to buy it. 

Regulating Kratom

The FDA does not regulate it at this time. There are no regulations on the federal level that would endure the purity and quality of kratom products. Therefore, kratom cannot be sold or marketed to treat any sort of condition or disease. That means that kratom is legal as long as vendors do not sell it labeled as a dietary supplement.

To counter that and ensure buyer safety, individual states are taking the initiative to regulate sales, manufacturing, and labeling of kratom products using the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. A few states in the US regulate kratom and more consider regulating it.

For more detailed information on kratom legality in each state, view this post on kratom legality in the United States.

Kratom Legality
Latest Update: November 2020

Kratom Legality: Canada

Kratom legality in Canada is a grey area, similarly to how it is in the United States. There is also an ongoing debate about whether the government should implement a kratom ban.

According to CFIA (Canadian Food Inspection Agency) and Health Canada, kratom is illegal if one sells or possesses it with an intent to ingest.

Yet, kratom powder and capsules are available for sale in Canada. As long as it’s not meant for ingestion, kratom remains legal.

Kratom Legality: Europe

While the European Union has no borders and has a unified currency, each country has its own legislation.

Thus, kratom legality by country will vary.

As of 2016, it is illegal to import, export, or sell kratom in the United Kingdom. There is a UK based kratom company that claims that kratom is 100% legal in the UK. Nonetheless, the UK Psychoactive Substances Act that came into effect in May 2016, does include in the list of outlawed substances that produce psychoactive effects.

In 2017, Ireland also enlisted kratom as a Schedule I illegal drug.

Kratom also remains a controlled or illegal substance in Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, Russia, Sweden, and Turkey.

Since 2016, kratom has been listed among major drugs in Italy. It is illegal to possess, sell, or import it there.

In Denmark and Finland, kratom is a controlled substance, yet one can purchase it with a valid doctor’s prescription.

Germany remains a grey area for kratom users. It is not an illegal substance, but it can only be bought or sold as a herb that isn’t supposed to be ingested. Therefore, vendors sell it as an ethnobotanical sample or sometimes even as paint. 

Hungary has a similar situation. Kratom is illegal for human consumption, yet it’s possible to buy and sell it as a botanical sample for analytic purposes.

In the rest of the European countries, kratom is currently legal.

Kratom Legality: Australia and New Zealand

In 2003, Australia banned kratom as a narcotic substance due to concerns about potential abuse. However, no actual instances of kratom abuse have ever happened there.

Since 2009 kratom and its active ingredients are illegal to grow, buy, or sell in New Zealand without a medical prescription. If you do have one, you can use kratom in New Zealand without problems.

Best Kratom Quiz

Kratom Legality: Asia

Ironically, the very region that kratom is indigenous to, does not allow its free use. At least not everywhere. 

ASEAN

ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, refers to kratom as a drug. No traditional medicines or dietary supplements in these countries can contain kratom or its derivatives. Thus, it is illegal to use, buy, or sell kratom there. Countries that are a part of the ASEAN are:

  • Brunei
  • Cambodia
  • Indonesia
  • Laos
  • Malaysia
  • Myanmar
  • Philippines
  • Singapore
  • Thailand
  • Vietnam

Yet, you’ll notice that some of the countries on this list, for example, Indonesia and Malaysia, are where kratom is currently grown and produced.

Despite the blanket regulation, in several of these locations kratom legality remains a grey area. It’s neither legal or illegal, having no rules regulating it within the country. Or, it is illegal and heavily punishable, yet allowed to be grown, harvested, and exported (without using it, of course).

This makes it dangerous to purchase kratom directly from these countries. No laws or regulations means that there is no guarantee that their kratom is safe, lab-tested, and contaminant-free. We highly advise anyone against purchasing directly from Asian countries and instead choose US-based vendors who test kratom in US-based labs to ensure that it is contaminant and adulterant free. Read more here.

If you travel to any of these countries and are unclear about the status of kratom there, it’s best not to put kratom in your luggage. Southeast Asian countries normally have strict drug laws and heavy punishment for breaking them if you get caught.

Thailand

In addition to that, Thailand legalized kratom for medicinal use in December 2018. Nevertheless, it remains not entirely “legal” as Thai police keep repeatedly seizing kratom possession. Moreover, in August 2019, Thai Prime Minister critically referred to kratom starting that it may be legalized if proven useful.

Since then, Thailand has been inching toward legalizing kratom. In summer 2020, the country decided to decriminalise the use of kratom in certain parts of the country, aiming to monitor the effects of legalizing kratom.

Korea, Japan, China, and India

South Korea also prohibits the use of kratom. You risk fines or jail time if you choose to import or export it.

Kratom is illegal in Japan.

Its status is unclear in China and there are no reliable sources to clarify that. However, according to our sources various vendors on TaoBao, the Chinese equivalent of Amazon, were shut down after listing it for sale. Also, considering China’s policy on opioids (which are illegal), we wouldn’t risk using or importing kratom into China.

In India kratom is currently legal, though be careful purchasing it there. There is a tree of the Mitragyna family that grows in India. While it has similar properties they aren’t the same as those of kratom. Indian vendors label it as Indian Kratom which is much cheaper. Yet, users have complained about it not being nearly as effective and causing nausea.

Kratom Legality: South America

The only official reports on kratom legality are available on Brazil where kratom is legal.

Is kratom legal in other locations around South America?

Currently, there is no reliable information available in other South American countries. But, users have reported having no problems traveling into and around South America with kratom.

They do, however, advise against traveling back to the USA from countries such as Colombia. They mention that border officials can mistake kratom for coca leaves and may cause issues.

Traveling with Kratom

If you intend to travel with kratom, be sure you know the latest information on the legislation of kratom in your destination. Is kratom legal there? Then, most likely you will be fine because, in most locations around the world, kratom is currently legal.

Nonetheless, there are countries where you will face a fine or other punishment if you act against the law. If you are an active-duty military member, you cannot take kratom with you either. The US military prohibits kratom. 

Keep in mind that there are locations that are still unfamiliar with kratom. As a result, they may not have any rules or regulations about it at all.

Meanwhile, other countries have kratom legality in the unclear, grey area.

If that is the case and you can’t find a definite answer to whether you can enter the specific country with kratom, it may be safer to leave your kratom at home. Doing so will ensure that you don’t get into any legal problems.

It will also prevent the reputation of kratom from being tarnished even further. Any negative incident anywhere in the world can be used by federal agencies as a reason for the kratom ban.

Do you have any experience with kratom in the countries that we have and haven’t mentioned? Is kratom legal there? Any other comments on kratom legality in different corners of the globe? Feel free to share them with us.

We do our best to ensure that we have the latest and most accurate information on our website. However, we wrote this post in September 2018, and the information included in it may change over time.

[Latest update: November 2020]

If you notice a recent change in legality that we have not included yet, don’t hesitate to contact us and let us know. Or simply leave a comment. We will highly appreciate it. 

Traveling With Kratom: Is It Legal and How to Do It

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Traveling with kratom

We frequently receive questions about traveling with kratom. That is not surprising given that kratom legality is not the same everywhere in the world.

Kratom is an extremely beneficial herb that helps people manage pain, stress, depression, anxiety, improve their sleep, quit prescription opioids, as well as boost their energy levels, focus, and concentration.

Therefore, it’s understandable that kratom lovers would like to maintain their improved quality of life not only in their day-to-day life but also when they travel. This leads to a variety of questions, such as:

  • Is it legal to travel with kratom to certain locations?
  • Can you travel with kratom on a plane?
  • Should kratom go in the checked-in or carry-on luggage?
  • Can you take kratom on your travel abroad?

We frequently answer people’s queries on traveling with kratom and decided to finally gather our answers in a single post.

Is It Legal to Travel with Kratom in the United States?

As long as kratom is legal in your destination, you should be able to travel with kratom without any issues. There is no federal kratom or kratom alkaloid ban in the country; however, certain states and municipalities across the United States have banned kratom.

In 2016, there was an attempt to ban kratom nationwide and list kratom as a Schedule I drug along with substances such as LSD, heroin, Ecstasy, and marijuana. This would have made traveling with kratom illegal. Yet, due to activism from kratom supporters, this did not happen.

Nonetheless, several locations across the country ban kratom. The states where kratom is illegal are:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Indiana
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • Wisconsin

In addition to those, kratom is also illegal in:

  • San Diego, CA
  • Sarasota County, FL
  • Jerseyville, IL
  • Alton, IL
  • Several counties and towns in Northern Mississippi.

So, you can travel with kratom to locations where it is legal. However, we strongly advise against traveling with kratom if it’s in your destination. Doing so can put you in jeopardy and spread negative information about the herb, giving kratom ban advocates more ammunition.

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Always Check the Legalities before Traveling

We strongly advise that you check the legalities right before you travel to avoid any unexpected developments. That’s because there is pending legislation in a number of other states. Things can change overnight, and we may not be able to update the information above right away.

So, please refer to the following posts below:

You can also find information on current and past kratom bills in the United States here. Keep in mind though that this source will only include bills that cover the entire state. Any legality issues regarding cities and counties will not appear there.

Is It Traveling with Kratom Abroad Legal?

This question, however, is not as easy to answer. The legality of traveling with kratom depends on each individual country’s legislation which you should check or inquire about before you travel there.

Though be careful. While it would make logical sense to assume that kratom is legal if it’s not banned, keep in mind that the popularity of kratom is a lot higher in the United States than it is in other countries around the world.

Due to multiple reasons, we can’t provide a definitive list of all countries where kratom is illegal. Nonetheless, below are countries that have either banned kratom and the entry with kratom there may be problematic:

  • Australia
  • Brunei
  • Cambodia
  • Colombia
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • Germany
  • Indonesia
  • Ireland
  • Israel
  • Italy
  • Japan
  • Jordan
  • Laos
  • Latvia
  • Lithuania
  • Malaysia
  • Myanmar
  • New Zealand
  • Philippines
  • Poland
  • Romania
  • Russia
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Singapore
  • South Korea
  • Sweden
  • Thailand
  • Turkey
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United Kingdom
  • Vietnam

Once again, the list above is not exhaustive and it’s best to check the legalities right before you travel.

When in Doubt, Keep Kratom at Home

We know that it may not be the most optimal choice in terms of your wellbeing; it could keep you out of potential trouble with the law enforcement officials in foreign countries. Make sure to quit kratom or taper off at least a few days prior to your travel. This will make it easier for your body to adjust.

Many countries have very limited or no knowledge about kratom. So, they wouldn’t have the procedures or procedures needed to identify that what you’re carrying is kratom rather than something else that may be illegal in that specific country.

While in the United States you’re considered innocent until proven guilty and officials cannot detain you without a case, other countries do not necessarily function in the same way. You risk being detained, and charges can be severe. So, it’s best to avoid legal problems altogether.

Last but not least, what should you do at the airport if you choose to travel with kratom? Should you put in your carry-on or checked-in luggage?

How to Travel with Kratom

To avoid any potential issues, place kratom in your checked-in luggage. Even if kratom is legal, TSA officials may not be familiar with it and suspect that you are carrying something illegal. This can cause delays, or, in some countries, may even cause you to be detained.

Checked-in luggage is not likely to be checked during layovers. Nevertheless, if you have a layover in a country or state where kratom is illegal, it’s best not to have it with you regardless.

Pack kratom in its original unopened packaging. This will make identifying it much easier.

Have you ever traveled with kratom? Where did you travel? How did it go?

Kratom Ban in Indonesia: What We Can Do

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Kratom ban in Indonesia

The news of the potential kratom ban in Indonesia shocked the kratom community. While kratom is indigenous to several Southeast Asian countries, Indonesia has become its leading exporter to the west.

An estimated 5 million Americans are finding relief in the herb amidst the opioid crisis. As the numbers of satisfied kratom users are growing, so are the warnings from various governmental institutions.

In 2016, the DEA announced its intent to schedule kratom that it later backed out of. The FDA issues regular warnings about salmonella, heavy metal contamination, and more. It has even released its own algorithm and study, proving that kratom hits multiple receptors in the brain. The CDC has joined them by attributing nearly 100 deaths to kratom.

Yet, it’s not the American institutions that we may need to fear as much, but rather the Indonesian ones.

Is Kratom Legal in Indonesia?

While most of the kratom imports to the US come from Indonesia, it’s not entirely legal there. A blanket regulation that covers a number of Southeast Asian countries, including Indonesia, prohibits the sales and use of kratom. However, Indonesia currently allows growing kratom for export.

As a result, one can grow kratom and sell it online, but local use and distribution are not legal.

The primary country for kratom export is the United States. The business has been so lucrative that farmers of other industries, such as palm oil and rubber, have abandoned their usual crops and switched to kratom. Raw kratom leaves are a lot more expensive per kilogram than rubber or other crops.

This is providing Indonesian farmers with additional profits that they’ve not experienced before giving them a better chance of providing for their families and putting their children through college.

Kratom Ban in Indonesia

In early 2019, the first talks about making kratom a Schedule I drug in Indonesia emerged. The proposal came from the Indonesian Ministry of Health.

In June 2019, the Indonesian government issued an official statement about a potential kratom ban. As of mid-July, 2019 and the latest reports from the AKA, the ban has been approved. The Indonesian Ministry of Health has declared a 5-year transition period. This timeframe is meant to give current kratom farmers time o that they can switch to other crops.

Thus, the news of the kratom ban in Indonesia came as a shock not only to millions of kratom users in the US but also kratom farmers in Indonesia.

A kratom ban in Indonesia means that they would have to go back to harvesting their usual crops or something different drastically lowering their profits.

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Indonesian Kratom Ban Controversy

Because most of the kratom imports to the US come from Indonesia, this ban would be a massive hit to the kratom industry. It would nearly eliminate American people’s access to the herb.

The only vendors who would be able to sell kratom would be those sourcing it from places other than Indonesia.  However, this would not be anywhere near to being able to satisfy the growing demand for kratom.

According to data from 2016, kratom export from the West Kalimantan region alone equated to approximately $130 million in annual profits. 90% of kratom exports from this region of Indonesia were to the US.

Why would the Indonesian government decide to ban kratom growth and export if kratom contributes such a large sum of money to the Indonesian economy?

The American Kratom Association believes that the FDA has had something to do with it. It has been against kratom the entire time. Therefore, a ban on kratom that would prohibit its export to the US would mean a definite win in the FDA’s war against kratom.

The FDA denies having had any involvement in the ban. Yet, it has admitted having inquired about kratom in Indonesia.

An FDA spokesperson has allegedly told the Pain Network in an email that the FDA has inquired about the legal status of kratom in Indonesia, but has not made any moves toward influencing the Indonesian law on kratom.

Activism against the Kratom Ban in Indonesia

Even though the kratom ban in Indonesia has been issued, representatives from the American Kratom Association and the Botanical Education Alliance have traveled to Indonesia. There, they met with the Ministry of Health.

While their initial meeting went well, other Indonesian institutions got involved after that. Sadly, they too are for the kratom ban in Indonesia.

According to sources, Daniel Jonah, Deputy Chairperson of the House of Representatives Commission IV, has been furious about the decision. He pointed out that once more a government issues a ban without doing proper research or basing their decisions on scientific data.

Scheduling kratom in Indonesia would state that kratom has no medicinal use. It would also be virtually impossible to conduct any studies on it in Indonesia to prove the opposite.

The AKA and BEA aren’t giving up.

There is still hope.

The grants given to the US College of Pharmacy are going to provide insight into the properties of kratom that we’ve never had before.

And the AKA and BEA are planning to send another delegation to Indonesia lobby against the kratom ban.

If you’d like to contribute to keeping exports of kratom from Indonesia legal, now is a great time to donate to the AKA. This would provide them with extra resources to keep fighting for keeping kratom legal.

Every person and every dollar counts.

If you have a kratom story worth knowing, you can help us spread the good word about kratom by sharing it with our community. Click here to find out more.

Kratom Legality in Mississippi: How to Help Keep It Legal

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Kratom legality in Mississippi

Kratom legality in Mississippi has been a topic of concern for many. While kratom supporters and activists are doing what they can to keep the beneficial herb legal, anti-kratom advocates seem to be on an equally active mission.

Yet, their interest is in banning kratom which they seem to be trying to accomplish in baby steps – one city and one county at a time.

Is Kratom in Mississippi Legal?

Kratom remains legal in most of the Mississippi State. Nevertheless, a growing number of counties and towns in Northern Mississippi are banning kratom. 

When and How Did Issues with Kratom Legality in Mississippi Start?

According to the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics, kratom has caused a total of 12 deaths in Mississippi State. The following locations in Mississippi have allegedly lost someone to kratom:

  • Covington,
  • DeSoto,
  • Hinds,
  • Lafayette,
  • Lamar,
  • Lee,
  • Perry,
  • Pontotoc,
  • Stone, and
  • Union

Yet, in the same argument, the MBN also claims that in most of these fatal cases, other drugs have been involved.

Regardless of that, Mississippi officials are interested in banning kratom. In January 2018, a bill to ban kratom among other substances was filed. More specifically – it intended to ban mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine by listing them under Depressants along with a list of synthetic substances.

Luckily, the bill died in committee not affecting the legal status of kratom in the Mississippi state.

However, anti-kratom advocated didn’t give up. They started addressing individual counties and towns in Mississippi. On multiple occasions, kratom bans were sudden, and the public did not have the time to express their support for kratom. There were also occasions when public hearings were announced, yet the kratom ban was passed before it.

Which Towns and Counties In Mississippi Have Banned Kratom?

Up until June, there was no definite list of towns and counties that had banned kratom despite the continuous buzz in the news. However, WLBT, a popular Mississippi news source, has released a list of affected locations.

According to it, the counties in Mississippi below have banned kratom:

  • Alcorn
  • Tishomingo
  • Prentiss
  • Itawamba
  • Lowndes
  • Union
  • Monroe
  • Calhoun
  • Tippah
  • Noxubee

Besides, these are the towns in Mississippi that have banned Kratom, as well:

  • Columbus
  • Caledonia
  • New Albany
  • Fulton
  • Mantachie
  • Pontotoc
  • Booneville
  • Corinth
  • Belmont
  • Marietta
  • Iuka
  • Ripley
  • Derma
  • Bruce
  • Calhoun city
  • Vardaman
  • Guntown
  • Okolona
  • Senatobia
  • Saltillo
  • Burnsville
  • Tishomingo city
  • Blue Mountain
  • Oxford

The bill passed in Oxford (and perhaps in other locations too) criminalizes synthetic kratom. While by technical definition pure kratom would be legal, we strongly advise Oxford City residents and visitors against relying on that. We understand that’s it’s far from optimal for their wellbeing; however, considering the overall negative disposition toward kratom, possessing any kratom product can cause serious problems.

Though the kratom ban movement in Mississippi has slowed down, it doesn’t mean that it has stopped.

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Are Kratom Bans in Mississippi Warranted?

And while anti-kratom advocates celebrate their victories, many believe that this isn’t solving the problem, but instead creating a much larger one, People who had resorted to kratom as a natural and much larger alternative to prescription and illegal opioids have no other option than to suffer from pain or get back on opioids.

Yet, the FDA and those against kratom continue to spread their word – kratom is deadly, it’s an opioid and it must be banned. Nonetheless, while the FDA attributes 44 deaths to kratom and the CDC – nearly 100, most of these cases had other substances present in their blood.

And even in the cases where other substances according to the authorities were not found, they weren’t completely ruled out.

In the meantime, the opioid crisis is ramping, and the death toll from opioids is rising. Yet, the numbers of these “kratom deaths” are so minuscule in comparison to them that calling it a source for another crisis comes across to be severely exaggerated.

The problem is not kratom itself, but in the fact that it is unregulated. There are bad actors in the kratom industry who take advantage of the popularity of kratom and sell products that are contaminated, laced with harmful substances, or otherwise unsafe.

Regulating kratom through KCPA and similar regulations would ensure that only pure products reach customers.

What Can Kratom Supporters Do?

Sadly, many people, including those in governmental positions, are still basing their stance against kratom on these exaggerated claims. Therefore, it can be easy to assume that as a kratom supporter, one is powerless.

There have been cases when kratom supporters have attended public hearings and convinced the authorities to keep kratom legal and regulate it instead.

In addition to that, the US College of Pharmacy has received not one, but two grants to study kratom. This isn’t just another attempt of the FDA to prove that kratom is an opioid. The leading professor in the study is Dr. Chris McCurdy, Ph.D., one of the initial researchers of kratom. He’s dedicated his life to the research and development of pain-relieving medications and believes in the beneficial effects of kratom.

So, how what can you do to ensure that kratom legality isn’t affected in Mississippi.

1. Support the AKA

The American Kratom Association is continuously advocating the Kratom Consumer Protection Act in several different states, including Mississippi. Yet, they are individuals who need finances to continuously move across the country talk about the legality of kratom in Mississippi and other states and lobby the KCPA.

You can help them do so by supporting them financially. The AKA accepts donations, and the instructions for donating are here.

2. Take Part in Public Hearings about Kratom Legality in Mississippi

The AKA has issued a number of educational documents that can help kratom advocates effectively support kratom legality in Mississippi and other states as well.

You can view AKA’s kratom advocacy training webinar here.

The AKA has also compiled a kratom advocacy toolkit with any relevant information that can help you to accurately represent kratom. This can be helpful not only in hearings but whenever you speak to a kratom skeptic.

You would need to monitor information about kratom hearings and other relevant events in your area. You can do so by enabling Google alerts. It’s a free service that sends you daily updates on the keywords and topics that you choose.

Nonetheless, not all information on kratom will reach your inbox. Joining local social media kratom groups can be beneficial too.

3. Support Kratom Legality in Mississippi Choices with Your Purchases

Last but not least, your vendor choices matter and can affect kratom legality in Mississippi. If you’ve followed our blog for some time, you’ll know that we strongly believe in selecting a good and reputable kratom vendor.

Buying kratom from a questionable vendor can put your health and safety in danger but also provide anti-kratom advocates with more ammunition against kratom. Moreover, this can negatively affect kratom legality in Mississippi and the United States in general.

Buying kratom from trustworthy vendors has an exponentially higher chance of getting a pure and tested product that has nothing else but kratom in it.

Do you live in Mississippi? How has activity against kratom affected you? Are there any questions about kratom legality in Mississippi that we can help you with? Let us know.

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