Kratom, scientifically known as Mitragyna speciosa, is a drug that comes from the tropical trees of Southeast Asia. You’ve seen it readily available online and in health Kratom stores throughout the United States.
Products prepared from Kratom leaves are available in the market in the form of powder, capsules, tablets, and extracts. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health, around 1.7 million aged 12 and older Americans have used Kratom in 2021.
Now, you must be questioning what is Kratom and whether is it legal. And why is it getting so much fame? The reason is that it is widely used to self-treat conditions like discomfort, uneasiness, restlessness, coughing, diarrhoea, and opioid withdrawal.
Keep reading if you want to find out the legality of Kratom in the US, its effects, kratom regulations in different states, and what the FBI and DEA say about it.
The FDA & DEA’s Stance On Kratom
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has declared Kratom as the “drug of concern” and has expressed concerns about its safety and effectiveness. They warned users about its narcotic-like effects that can cause dependency and addiction.
To this date, the FDA has not approved Kratom and issued warnings about its potential health risks, overdosage, addiction, and even death. So, is Kratom legal, then? The question remains.
On the other hand, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) is of the view that Kratom affects the brain as any other opioid substance. Questioning the Kratom legality, they released a statement in 2016 stating the dangerous opioid properties they’ve found in each Kratom strain. They even tried to put Kratom on emergency scheduling until its health risks were examined further, but they had to withdraw the notice because of the public uproar.
The FDA and DEA faced challenges while trying to ban Kratom. Because of the support for Kratom from people who were reporting to use it for therapeutic purposes and the complexity of state vs. federal regulations, Kratom is still available out there for the world to access.
Salmonella In Kratom
The FDA has recalled Kratom products for only one reason, and that’s not because of its addictive nature but because of salmonella. FDA and CDC investigated an outbreak of salmonella in various states. They questioned the infected people about their eating and routine before becoming ill.
76 out of 103 people reported eating Kratom before the infection. A total of 199 people were exposed to this infection in 41 states, although no deaths were reported. Upon further investigation, the FDA found salmonella in various Kratom products.
Now, you must be curious about, after all this, how is Kratom legal. Well, because of the same reasons mentioned above, the FDA continues to warn users not to take Kratom.
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What Is The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA)?
The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) is a law passed in several states to control the sale and use of Kratom and protect consumers. The following provisions were included to protect the legality of Kratom.
- The KCPA sets rules for how Bedrock Kratom powder can be sold and made. The aim was to avoid the sale of contaminated or impure products.
- The act mentioned that Kratom products must have clear labels showing their ingredients and how to use them safely.
- The KCPA typically sets a minimum age, either 18 or 21, for buying Kratom.
- The act forbids the sale of Kratom products with unsafe levels of harmful substances.
What Are The States That Passed KCPA?
Now, to answer your question, what states is Kratom legal in? These 4 states passed the KCPA bills, and Kratom is legal but regulated here.
- Georgia
- Utah
- Nevada
- Arizona
States Where Kratom Is Illegal To Buy, Sell, Possess, Or Use
Now, let’s see is Kratom legal in the USA. And if it’s not, then what are the states where it’s illegal? Although Kratom is not regulated at the federal level in the US so, technically, it’s legal. However, some states have banned Kratom, making it illegal to buy, sell, possess, or even use.
Here are the names of those states.
- Alabama
- Indiana
- Arkansas
- Wisconsin
- Vermont
- Rhode Island
Where Is Kratom Legal But May Be Regulated?
- Alaska: Legal
- Arizona: KCPA passed
- California: Legal, except in San Diego
- Colorado: Legal, except in Denver
- Illinois: Over 18 legal, except in Jerseyville
- Iowa: Legal
- Kansas: Legal
- Kentucky: Legal
- Connecticut: Legal
- Delaware: Legal
- Florida: Legal, except in Sarasota County
- Georgia: KCPA passed
- Hawaii: Legal
- Idaho: Legal
- Louisiana: Legal
- Maine: Legal
- Maryland: Legal
- Massachusetts: Legal
- Michigan: Legal
- Minnesota: Legal
- Mississippi: Legal, except in Union County
- Missouri: Legal
- Montana: Legal
- Nebraska: Legal
- Nevada: KCPA passed
- New Hampshire: Legal for those over 18
- Ohio: Legal
- Oklahoma: Legal
- Oregon: Legal
- Pennsylvania: Legal
- South Carolina: Legal
- South Dakota: Legal
- New Jersey: Legal
- New Mexico: Legal
- New York: Legal
- North Carolina: Legal
- North Dakota: Legal
- Tennessee: Legal for those over 21
- Texas: Legal
- Utah: KCPA passed
- Virginia: Legal
- Washington: Legal
- West Virginia: Legal
- Wyoming: Legal
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What Makes Kratom Safe to Consume?
You’ve heard plenty of times that Kratom is highly addictive, but then how is Kratom legal, and what makes it a safe herbal supplement?
The reason is Kratom is safe “in moderation.” Now, what this means is that some people have addictive geans, and they don’t know how to use things in moderation, while others take Kratom once in a while and don’t get addicted to it.
This means that Kratom is not potent in small doses. As long as you don’t overdo it, you’re safe. Organic Facts states that Kratom is believed to enhance metabolic functions, boost sexual energy, strengthen the immune system, and ease anxiety.
Kratom is widely known for its Uneasiness-relieving effects, which can help ease discomfort and restlessness by affecting our body’s hormones. Many people enjoy Kratom tea to get relief after a hectic day.
Kratom tea and similar products are safe if you use them occasionally. That’s why people don’t view it as dangerous to public health.
Bottom Line
The question “Is Kratom legal?” is complex because the answer depends on where you live in the US. Across the U.S., Kratom’s legal status is a mix of regulations and outright bans.
Some states have approved the Kratom Consumer Protection Act to regulate its use for safety and purity, while others have banned it due to the health and addiction risks.
So, to understand the legality of Kratom, it’s important to check your state’s specific laws. Despite the controversies, many people use Kratom for its therapeutic effects, but what you need to keep in mind is to use it responsibly and in moderation.
FAQs
What Are The Consequences Of Violating Kratom Regulations?
If someone violates Kratom regulation rules or uses or sells Kratom in the states where it’s banned, they could face jail time of up to 90 days, a fine of $500.00, or possibly both, depending on the local laws.
What Happens If A Store Sells Kratom In A Place Where It’s Illegal?
If a store sells Kratom in a place where it’s not allowed, the store and its owners could be sued. Depending on the local laws, they can face fines, criminal charges, and even jail time. The shop could also be shut down, and the products would be confiscated.
How Do People Typically Use Kratom?
People commonly use Kratom by brewing its leaves as a tea, consuming them in powder form mixed with water or another beverage, or taking capsules. Some also chew Kratom leaves or use extracts.
What Is The Right Dosage Of Kratom?
The proper Kratom dosage depends on tolerance, desired effects, and strain. Beginners should start with 1-2 grams and increase as needed. It’s important to monitor the body’s response and adjust the dosage.