Maybe you’ve seen kratom for sale at your local wellness shop, farmers’ market, or even specialty grocers. Or, perhaps you have a friend or family member that has told you about their positive experience with kratom. But no matter where or how you first learned about kratom, it’s likely that one of your top questions is: where is kratom legal?
The short answer to that question is: it depends. The legality of kratom can vary from state to state, and specific regulations are based on age, county, and other factors. In order to make it easier to understand where kratom is legal (and where it’s not), we’ve put together an easy-to-use reference guide.
Keep reading to learn more about whether or not you can legally buy kratom in your home state.
Is Kratom Legal Federally?
On the federal level, kratom is legal. That means that there are no federal, nationwide laws that ban its use.
In 2016, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced that it was planning to begin regulating kratom. But when the agency requested public feedback on the topic, the backlash was overwhelming. As a result, they changed course and did not implement federal regulations for kratom.
However, state laws for kratom can vary. In some areas, it is banned outright; in others, some laws restrict who can purchase it. There are even some states that have banned kratom and then reversed their decision.
Where is Kratom Legal?
The legal status of kratom is in constant flux, so it can be challenging to keep up. It’s always a good idea to double-check your state’s kratom laws if you have any concerns.
As of the publication date of this guide, these are the states where kratom is legal and illegal. In states where kratom is illegal, buying, selling, possessing, or using kratom is prohibited by law.
States Where Kratom is Legal |
States Where Kratom Is Illegal |
|---|---|
| Alaska | Alabama |
| Arizona | Arkansas |
| California (except in San Diego and Oceanside) | Indiana |
| Colorado (except in Monument and Parker) | Mississippi (varies by county) |
| Connecticut | Rhode Island |
| Delaware | Vermont |
| Florida (except in Sarasota County) | Wisconsin |
| Georgia | |
| Hawaii | |
| Idaho | |
| Illinois (except in Jerseyville and Alton) | |
| Iowa | |
| Kansas | |
| Kentucky | |
| Louisiana | |
| Maine | |
| Maryland | |
| Massachusetts | |
| Michigan | |
| Minnesota | |
| Missouri | |
| Montana | |
| Nebraska | |
| Nevada | |
| New Hampshire (except in Franklin City) | |
| New Jersey | |
| New Mexico | |
| New York | |
| North Carolina | |
| North Dakota | |
| Ohio | |
| Oklahoma | |
| Oregon | |
| Pennsylvania | |
| South Carolina | |
| South Dakota | |
| Tennessee | |
| Texas | |
| Utah | |
| Virginia | |
| Washington | |
| West Virginia | |
| Wyoming |
State-specific Kratom Laws
In some states, the laws regarding kratom are more complex than simply declaring it legal or illegal:
- In Arizona, kratom is legal for individuals over the age of 18.
- In Alabama, kratom became illegal in 2016 when the state banned 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine (two of the most common alkaloids found in kratom).
- In Arkansas, both kratom and its alkaloids are illegal.
- In Colorado, kratom is legal but is subject to special labeling restrictions in the city of Denver.
- In Georgia, kratom is legal for those over 18 but is regulated by the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.
- In Illinois, kratom can only be purchased by individuals over the age of 18.
- In Minnesota, kratom is legal for individuals over 18.
- In Nevada, only those over 18 can purchase kratom.
- In New Hampshire, kratom is legal only for individuals over the age of 18.
- New York, kratom is legal for those over the age of 18.
- In North Carolina, you must be over 18 to buy kratom.
- In Tennessee, kratom is legal for individuals over the age of 21 and is subject to strict labeling requirements.
- In Utah, kratom is legal for individuals over 18.
- In Vermont, kratom is illegal due to a ban on 7-hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Kratom?
There are no federal age limits on kratom, but a handful of states enforce restrictions. And in other states, the age limit for kratom can vary from county to county (or city to city).
There are no age limits in most states where kratom is legal. However, most kratom retailers/vendors will not sell kratom to minors.
In these states, you must be over 18 to purchase kratom:
- Arizona
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Minnesota
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New York
- North Carolina
- Utah
In Tennessee, you must be over 21 to purchase kratom.
Is it Legal to Buy Kratom Online?
Technically, you are legally permitted to buy kratom online.
However, keep in mind that several states have outlawed consuming or possessing kratom – so if you reside in one of these locations, be aware of those regulations.
We recommend verifying information by doing your own research as needed, including reviewing the most recently updated federal, state, and local laws and regulations for kratom.
Can I Travel with Kratom?
Whether or not you should travel with kratom depends on the laws that apply to both your start and end points and the states you will pass through along the way. Traveling abroad with kratom can be more complicated due to the varying legalities among countries and cities.
Why is Kratom Illegal in Some States?
It’s no secret that the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has a complex, often confusing, view of natural and alternative wellness products. So, it’s not surprising that kratom is just one of many supplements that have not yet been granted FDA approval.
Unfortunately, many kratom regulations are based on information supplied by the FDA. It is difficult to know exactly how well-rounded FDA kratom research has been thus far. Additionally, when the US HHS pulled its original recommendation to make kratom a controlled substance (citing insufficient evidence that it was a risk to public safety), kratom advocates were left with even more questions.
Is Kratom Safe?
The American Kratom Association shares various resources focused on the science of kratom, aiming to help consumers make informed decisions that suit their needs and goals. They have also launched the Protect Kratom effort, which is intended to provide essential education and awareness.
For consumers searching for information about the safety of kratom, the AKA is an excellent source of reliable studies and news.
Find High-Quality Kratom for Sale Online
If you’re considering adding kratom to your wellness routine, it is important to be a discerning shopper. Not all kratom is of equal quality, so finding a retailer you can trust is critical.
Kratomade is a trusted brand dedicated to raising the standard of excellence in the kratom industry. Since the 2003 launch of our top-selling kratom powders, we have been committed to providing consumers access to first-class kratom products. Our expert team focuses on achieving the highest level of consistency, alkaloid purity, and solubility, ensuring that our kratom powders exceed your expectations.
Our signature Kratomade powder is available in a delicious variety of flavors, giving you more than two dozen ways to enjoy kratom every day. Convenient, tasty, and expertly formulated, it’s the flavored kratom powder you’re sure to love.
Get more information about how to buy kratom and incorporate it into your lifestyle when you contact us today!
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