Kratom is a natural herbal supplement originating from a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. Folks who chew kratom leaves, brew them into tea, or take powdered tea leaves in capsule form often mention feeling more alert and sociable, as well as an improvement in their overall mood. Although kratom has been used as an herbal supplement and traditional remedy for hundreds of years, it’s taken off in popularity in recent years. Like with CBD, governments have been slow to decide whether and how to regulate the kratom market.
Many kratom fans are concerned about whether kratom might be treated as a controlled substance, which could lead to strict kratom regulation or even banning kratom outright in the U.S., Europe, and elsewhere. Some U.S. states and European countries already have input limits or bans on kratom sales.
The team at Kratom Gecko prides ourselves not only on delivering world-class kratom products, but also on keeping our customers well-informed about the state of kratom regulation in the United States and around the world. We’re staying on top of current kratom legislation, legislative trends in the kratom space, and how non-governmental groups like the World Health Organization (WHO) are reacting to the explosion of kratom’s popularity around the globe.
If you’re thinking about dabbling in kratom, or if you’re already a kratom fan and you just want to make sure you’ve got your ducks in a row, we’re here to help. Keep in mind, however, that kratom legislation is a hot topic and regulations around the country are changing quickly; it’s always a good call to look up the laws and regulations in your city and to consult with your trusted healthcare professionals to make your own informed decisions.
Kratom Legislation in the United States
Right off the bat, there’s good news: There’s no federal law prohibiting the purchase or sale of kratom. The FDA, Congress, and other federal bodies are looking at advancing kratom education, considering whether kratom should be regulated more strictly, but at the moment, there’s no federal law or regulation stopping you from buying kratom online or from your neighborhood shop.
Back in 2016, the DEA actually tried to treat kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance–putting kratom in the ranks of heroin, LSD, and other serious drugs–but the effort was shot down after advocacy groups, Members of Congress, and any others pointed out how their approach wasn’t supported by the science. Similar moves by the FDA in the late 2010s to demonize kratom were rejected because they weren’t acting on “the entire facts.”
As it stands, the FDA treats kratom as an “unapproved new dietary ingredient.” There are limits on how kratom can be marketed, but there is no blanket federal ban on kratom sales.
Kratom Legality By State
Whether you can buy kratom in your area depends on the state. According to the American Kratom Association (AKA), as of 2024, Kratom is legal in the vast majority of states. Six states currently ban kratom outright: Wisconsin, Indiana, Arkansas, Alabama, Vermont, and Rhode Island. Vermont, however, recently removed kratom’s active ingredients from its Schedule I listing and is in the process of decriminalization.
Other states have some limited rules on kratom, such as age restrictions. Certain cities and counties have their own limitations on kratom sale and possession, and many states restrict kratom sales to people over the age of 18 or 21. Where it’s legal, you can find kratom in local shops as well as online.
Check out the AKA’s kratom state map to find out how kratom is regulated in your area.
Legislative Trends in Kratom Law and Regulation
The law on kratom is rapidly changing. A growing number of U.S. states are enacting a version of the AKA’s proposed Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA). The KCPA generally establishes a framework for the legal sale of kratom, covering things like age restrictions, product registration, prohibitions on product adulteration, and rules for packaging and labels.
At least 12 states have already passed a KCPA, and there’s pending kratom legislation under review in many more. In October 2023, U.S. House and Senate members proposed federal versions of the KCPA aimed at clearing up confusion regarding kratom’s status under federal law while leaving states free to handle kratom however they choose.
Future kratom legislation will depend on the political landscape within each state and at the federal level. Advocates like the folks at the AKA are optimistic. They are working to overturn bans in Wisconsin, Rhode Island, and Arkansas and already counting victories in Vermont (where kratom has been de-scheduled) and Indiana, where “lawmakers are currently considering legislation to repeal a ban and pass a version of the KCPA.”
On the other hand, states like Alabama are tougher. According to one AKA official: “They don’t care about facts. They don’t care about any data. I think if the Savior Himself came down and said, ‘Kratom is good,’ they wouldn’t care.”
Worldwide, kratom regulation is a mixed bag. It’s legal in many Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand and Malaysia, but a number of countries have enacted kratom bans. European countries, including Germany and Sweden, have banned kratom, as well as several other countries, including New Zealand and Australia.
Other countries like Canada and the United Kingdom treat kratom as a controlled substance, meaning that it is typically not available over-the-counter but can be bought with the right authorization. In many more countries, lawmakers simply haven’t made a decision about kratom, so it remains mainly unregulated.
If you’re traveling around the world, make sure to look up the laws and regulations where you happen to visit to avoid getting into any unnecessary legal snags.
The Gecko’s Got You Covered
The kratom crew at Kratom Gecko provides top-quality kratom products, always in line with state, federal, and local laws. For the best in kratom, head over to our online shop! If you have any questions about how to get Kratom Gecko in your city or state, or if you want to hear more about any of our kratom goodies, feel free to contact us!
