Imagine finding a natural plant that has been used for centuries to support well-being, only to find it facing legal challenges and widespread misconceptions. This is the reality for Bedrock Kratom, a plant native to Southeast Asia, and the American Kratom Association (AKA), the organization fighting to protect its availability in the United States.
Over the years, Kratom has gained both popularity and controversy. Supporters believe it should remain accessible to those who benefit from it, while some government agencies argue it should be restricted. Without proper advocacy, Kratom could face unnecessary bans or poor regulations that make it unsafe for consumers. This is where the AKA comes in.
The AKA works tirelessly so that Kratom Bedrock powder remains legal, regulated, and safe for responsible consumers. From fighting misinformation to pushing for fair laws, this organization plays an important role in the Kratom community. Let’s take a closer look at what the AKA does and why its work matters.
What Is The American Kratom Association?
The American Kratom Association (AKA) is a non-profit organization founded in 2014 to protect Kratom consumers from unfair bans and misinformation. Matt Salmon, a former U.S. Representative, serves as the Chairman of the Board, leading advocacy efforts.
The organization is run by an Executive Director and a dedicated board that oversees policy and outreach.
Their work focuses on several key areas:
- Advocating for Kratom legality – Working with lawmakers to keep Kratom capsules legal.
- Educating the public and policymakers – Providing science-backed information to fight misinformation.
- Ensuring consumer safety – Pushing for industry standards to prevent contamination and misleading labeling.
- Challenging unfair regulations – Opposing bans or restrictions not based on science.
The AKA is not a Kratom seller or manufacturer. Instead, it exists to protect consumers so they have access to safe, high-quality Kratom.
Their impact has been significant, preventing Kratom bans in multiple states and helping create regulations that prioritize consumer safety.
Why The AKA Challenges The FDA And DEA
In 2016, the DEA attempted to classify Kratom as a Schedule I drug, which would have made it illegal. The AKA successfully pushed back, leading to the DEA withdrawing the ban.
The FDA has also targeted Kratom, often citing safety concerns. The AKA continues to challenge these claims, pushing for science-based regulations instead of outright bans.
Their work ensures that Kratom remains accessible, safe, and fairly regulated.
How The AKA Advocates For Kratom
The AKA fights for Kratom through a mix of legislative efforts, public education, and policy challenges. Here’s how they do it:
1. Lobbying For Kratom Legislation
One of the AKA’s most important roles is working directly with lawmakers to keep Kratom legal and properly regulated.
Many states have attempted to ban Kratom, like, Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin, often due to misunderstandings or misleading reports. The Kratom Association of America actively educates policymakers and provides evidence to show why outright bans are unnecessary.
The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) is one of the AKA’s biggest achievements.
The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) has been implemented in several U.S. states on different dates. For instance, Missouri enacted the KCPA, with the law becoming effective on August 28, 2022.
Additionally, in Oklahoma, House Bill 3574, known as the Kratom Consumer Protection Act, became law without the Governor’s signature on May 5, 2024.
It’s important to note that the implementation dates vary by state, and some states have adopted similar legislation under different names.
This proposed law is designed to regulate Kratom instead of banning it. It helps:
- Set safety standards for Kratom Bedrock products.
- Proper labeling is required so consumers know what they’re buying.
- Prevent contamination by enforcing quality control.
- Ensure legal Kratom stays available while removing bad actors from the industry.
- Several states have already passed the KCPA, and the AKA continues to push for its adoption nationwide.
2. Educating The Public And Lawmakers
Misinformation is one of the biggest threats to Kratom. Many news reports and government statements misrepresent Kratom, leading to unnecessary fear.
The AKA works to set the record straight by:
- Hosting webinars and events to discuss Kratom’s role in society.
- Educating policymakers before they make decisions on Kratom regulations.
- Running public awareness campaigns to clear up myths.
- By spreading the truth about Kratom, the AKA helps people make informed decisions rather than relying on misleading reports.
3. Fighting The FDA And Anti-Kratom Policies
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has been one of the strongest opponents of Kratom which was founded in 1930, evolving from earlier regulatory agencies.
It has taken a controversial stance on Kratom, pushing for a ban in 2016, citing safety concerns. However, this attempt was blocked in 2018 due to a lack of evidence.
Over the years, the FDA has attempted to:
- Classify Kratom as a Schedule drug (which would make it illegal).
- Issue import alerts to stop Kratom from entering the U.S.
- Spread negative reports that lack proper scientific backing.
- The AKA actively challenges these efforts by demanding transparency and scientific evidence.
Thanks to their advocacy, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was forced to withdraw its attempt to classify Kratom as a Schedule substance.
Without the AKA, Kratom might already be banned at the federal level. Their work continues to push back against unfair policies and demand that Kratom be judged fairly.
The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA)
The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) is one of the biggest legislative efforts led by the AKA. This law is designed to regulate Kratom safely rather than banning it outright.
Key Features of the KCPA
- Age Restrictions – Bans sales to individuals under 18 or 21 years old, depending on the state.
- Labeling Requirements – Requires all Kratom products to list ingredients, alkaloid content, and usage instructions.
- Quality Control – Ensures Kratom products are free from contaminants and harmful additives.
- Bans Adulterated Kratom – Prevents the sale of synthetically enhanced or unsafe Kratom products.
Several states, including Nevada, Arizona, and Utah, have already passed the KCPA. The AKA continues to push for more states to adopt these protections.
With the KCPA in place, consumers can have safer access to Kratom without the fear of bad products or misinformation-driven bans.
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Why The AKA’s Work Matters For Kratom Users
The AKA’s advocacy is important for the future of Kratom. Without their work:
- More states could ban Kratom completely, making it inaccessible.
- The Kratom industry could remain unregulated, allowing contaminated or mislabeled products to flood the market.
- Consumers would have no voice in decisions affecting Kratom’s legality and availability.
- Because of the AKA, Kratom users can fight for their right to access a safe and regulated product. Their work helps ensure that Kratom remains a legal, transparent, and protected option for those who choose to use it.
Bedrock Botanicals’ Compliance With AKA And FDA Guidelines
Bedrock Botanicals follows the American Kratom Association’s (AKA) GMP Standards Program, ensuring high-quality and safely manufactured Kratom products.
They also comply with FDA regulations, avoiding unverified health claims and adhering to safety guidelines.
While the FDA remains critical of Kratom, Bedrock Botanicals prioritizes transparency and responsible marketing, aligning with both AKA and FDA standards.
Bottom Line
The American Kratom Association plays a vital role in protecting Kratom and its users. Through legislation, education, and advocacy, they work to ensure that Kratom remains a safe and legal option for responsible consumers.
Without the AKA, Kratom could face unnecessary bans, poor regulations, and misinformation-driven fear. Their continued efforts provide a voice for Kratom users and help create a safer, more informed Kratom industry.
If you support Kratom, it’s worth staying informed and getting involved. The more people understand Kratom and its regulations, the stronger the community becomes in protecting access for all.
FAQs
Does The American Kratom Association Support A Complete Lack Of Regulation For Kratom?
No. The AKA advocates for reasonable regulations to ensure Kratom is safe and free from contaminants. They support the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), which sets quality and labeling standards rather than banning Kratom.
Has The FDA Approved Any Kratom-Based Products?
No, the FDA has not approved Kratom for medical use, dietary supplements, or food additives. They continue to warn against its use, citing safety concerns.
Can Kratom Be Legally Shipped Across State Lines?
It depends. While Kratom is legal in many states, some banned states and local jurisdictions prohibit its sale and shipment. Always check local laws before purchasing or shipping Kratom.