While kratom remains legal in most US states, the laws surrounding it are constantly changing. In fact, as of today, there have been over 50 bills introduced relating to kratom across the US. Thankfully, the news regarding kratom’s legality both in the US and worldwide has remained mainly positive over the last year. Whether you’re just getting started with kratom or simply want to stay up-to-date on the latest kratom news, this guide is for you.
Here’s what you need to know about kratom laws by state:
Why Does Kratom’s Legality Matter?
Kratom is a natural ethnobotanical plant that has been used for centuries in Southeast Asia. It’s shown a lot of potential for improving overall well-being thanks to its highly potent alkaloids. The most important of these alkaloids are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragnine, which have stimulating, relaxing, uplifting, and soothing effects.
These effects have been at the center of the FDA’s kratom scheduling debate. In August 2016, the DEA announced plans to classify kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance. This would make it illegal to sell, buy, or possess kratom in the United States. Fortunately, though, this scheduling never went into effect thanks to a large pushback from kratom advocates and users as well as political advocacy groups who signed on to support kratom’s legality.
The FDA eventually retracted their scheduling decision, but they’re still working to determine how kratom should be regulated. The FDA hasn’t done anything since then to schedule kratom at a federal level. However, individual states have passed various kratom laws—that’s why you should know kratom laws by state to avoid any legal issues.
Here is a comprehensive list of kratom’s legality state by state as of 2022:
- Alabama: Kratom is illegal in Alabama.
- Alaska: Kratom is legal in Alaska.
- Arizona: Kratom is legal in Arizona. Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) passed.
- Arkansas: Kratom is illegal in Arkansas.
- California: Kratom is legal in California. However, kratom is prohibited in San Diego.
- Colorado: Kratom is legal in Colorado but prohibited in Denver.
- Connecticut: Kratom is legal in Connecticut for people 21+.
- Delaware: Kratom is legal in Delaware for people 21+.
- Florida: Kratom is legal in Florida. However, kratom has been added to the state’s list of controlled substances in Sarasota County. This is a perfect example of why you should know kratom laws by state and even counties to avoid getting yourself into trouble.
- Georgia: Kratom is legal in Georgia. However, it’s banned in the city of Warner Robins and restricted in Savannah. Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) passed.
- Hawaii: Kratom is legal for people 21+ to purchase, possess and use kratom without a prescription. However, kratom sales are forbidden to minors.
- Idaho: Kratom is legal in Idaho for people 21+.
- Illinois: Kratom is legal in Illinois for people 18+. However, it’s restricted in the city of Jerseyville.
- Indiana: Kratom is illegal in Indiana.
- Iowa: Kratom is legal in Iowa for people 18+. However, it’s restricted in the city of Marion.
- Kansas: Kratom is legal in Kansas. Kratom laws by state may change so keep checking with your local legislation offices to know what’s coming up.
- Kentucky: Kratom is legal in Kentucky for people 21+.
- Louisiana: Kratom is legal in Louisiana for people 18+. However, it’s restricted in the city of Baton Rouge.
- Maine: Kratom is legal in Maine for people 18+. However, it’s restricted in the city of Auburn.
- Maryland: Kratom is legal in Maryland for people 21+.
- Massachusetts: Kratom is legal in Massachusetts for people 18+. However, it’s restricted in the city of Boston.
- Michigan: Kratom is legal in Michigan. However, it’s restricted in the city of Union City.
- Minnesota: Kratom is legal in Minnesota for people 18+.
- Mississippi: Kratom is legal in Mississippi for people 18+ except for Union county.
- Missouri: Kratom is legal in Missouri for people 21+. However, it’s restricted in the city of Kansas City.
- Montana: Kratom is legal in Montana for people 18+.
- Nebraska: Kratom is legal in Nebraska for people 21+. However, it’s restricted in the city of Omaha. Cities may independently ban the use of kratom, so don’t just look at kratom laws by state.
- Nevada: Kratom is legal in Nevada for people 21+. Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) passed.
- New Hampshire: Kratom is legal in New Hampshire for people 18+. However, it’s restricted in Franklin.
- New Jersey: Kratom is legal in New Jersey for people 21+.
- New Mexico: Kratom is legal in New Mexico for people 18+.
- New York: Kratom is legal in New York for people 21+. However, it’s restricted in the city of New York.
- North Carolina: Kratom is legal in North Carolina for people 18+. However, it’s restricted in the city of Denison. Don’t forget to check recent updates on kratom scheduling in your state.
- North Dakota: Kratom is legal in North Dakota for people 18+.
- Ohio: Kratom is legal in Ohio for people 21+. However, it’s restricted in the city of Columbus.
- Oklahoma: Kratom is legal in Oklahoma for people 21+.
- Oregon: Kratom is legal in Oregon for people 18+. Again, make sure to check the latest legislation surrounding kratom laws by state to ensure you’re up-to-date.
- Pennsylvania: Kratom is legal in Pennsylvania for people 21+. However, it’s restricted in the city of Pittsburgh.
- Rhode Island: Kratom is illegal in Rhode Island.
- South Carolina: Kratom is legal in South Carolina for people 18+.
- Tennessee: Kratom is legal in Tennessee for people 21+. However, it’s restricted in the city of Memphis.
- Texas: Kratom is legal in Texas for people 21+. However, it’s restricted in the city of San Antonio.
- Utah: Kratom is legal in Utah for people 18+. Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) passed.
- Vermont: Kratom is illegal in Vermont.
- Virginia: Kratom is legal in Virginia for people 18+.
- Washington: Kratom is legal in Washington for people 21+. However, it’s restricted in the city of Yakima.
- West Virginia: Kratom is legal in West Virginia for people 18+.
- Wisconsin: Kratom is legal in Wisconsin for people 18+. This recently changed as the state lifted the long-standing ban.
- Wyoming: Kratom is legal in Wyoming for people 18+.
Stay Up-to-Date with Kratora
Understanding kratom laws by state, the latest changes, and kratom scheduling news related to this botanical supplement is critical to ensuring that you remain on the right side of the law. That’s why we’ve compiled all of the relevant information for you in one spot on our Kratora blog so you can stay up-to-date.
Kratora has been monitoring kratom laws and will continue to do so throughout 2022. We’ll keep this page updated with any significant legislative changes impacting kratom legality, including those that go into effect in early 2023 or beyond. Visit our blog to learn everything you need to know about kratom.
Want to learn more about kratom quality and value? Start here:
Why Buying Cheap Kratom Can Be Dangerous
