Kratom Legality

In the United States, Kratom is sold in a variety of forms including tinctures, extracts, capsules, and powder. Some shops carry it in tea, tablet, and gum form as well.

Though kratom research is slim, advocates claim that it can help with everything from stress relief and relaxation to the promotion of libido, athletic performance, and natural energy production. Some people find it useful to take kratom to help relax and improve their sleep quality while others use it to improve their mood. 

There are so many debates about the legality of kratom that it’s difficult to discern where this plant falls in the spectrum of illegal narcotics. While it might seem innocuous enough, the leaves of the kratom tree are both legal and illegal, depending on where you live. In 2018, the FDA ruled that manufacturers couldn’t claim that kratom cures any health ailments.
Understanding the legality of kratom is super important, especially given the current open-ended state of legislation.

There’s a push among some members of the government to re-classify kratom as a Schedule 1 narcotic, putting it in the same group as drugs like cocaine and heroin. Schedule 1 narcotics are defined by the DEA as being, “drugs with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse.” Under the Controlled Substances Act, the DEA can list the ingredients of kratom on the list without having to list kratom itself.

Advocates of kratom and chemical-free living might think it’s a stretch to relate this plant with the current drug crisis in the country. But the government certainly believes it’s a reality. The FDA claimed that kratom was responsible for 36 deaths in 2018 and that there are significant health risks to anyone who takes kratom. Whether or not kratom was at the root of the deaths isn’t clear, so the point here is to be your own advocate. If you’re interested in experimenting with kratom, then you have to do some research and start slowly with small servings.

United States Legality

United States legality

In 2019, the FSA issued a statement that kratom cannot be used to treat any medical conditions. This comes on the heels of the 2018 decision. This means that it’s on an import alert at all ports and can be confiscated if found.

During 2018, the FDA recalled several kratom-containing products due to possible salmonella contamination. This is one of the reasons why it’s imperative that you understand the process your supplier uses to process kratom. All of our products are lab tests and verified because we are committed to providing you with the best product possible.

In general, kratom is legal in the United States, but there are some nuances to that legality. There are many states, which have banned the use of kratom, which negates its federally recognized legal status.

States Where Kratom is Banned Include

Alabama: Since 2016, kratom is a Schedule 1 controlled substance.
Arkansas: Kratom use is illegal, and possession is a Schedule 1 felony.
California: Legal everywhere except in San Diego, where it’s illegal because of local law.
Florida: Legal in the state except in Sarasota County.
Illinois: Sale to minors under 18 is illegal.
Indiana: Kratom is considered a “synthetic drug” and is illegal.
Tennessee: Classified as a controlled substance, kratom is illegal in the entire state.
Wisconsin: Illegal in the entire state because of the classification of the alkaloids present.

It’s almost as if the DEA wants to be intentionally unclear about the legality of kratom under the guise of “preventing” a public health crisis. Until there’s specific, clear, and easy to understand law, the best thing you can to do stay safe is to know the laws where you live.

People all over the country are discovering the amazing benefits of kratom. Advocates preach that it’s a safe, non-habit-forming way to deal with stress and promote a sense of ease in the body. Some experts caution that it can be habit forming, since the alkaloids present are similar to opioids.

If you’re interested in exploring the ways that kratom can be a benefit to your life, we recommend you begin with our kratom variety pack. This will give you a chance to sample many different strains of kratom to determine what’s best for you.

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