Current Kratom Legislation in USA

Posted by Kay on February 25th, 2019

Kratom is one herb that is under the spotlight at the moment. This special herb originated from the Southeast Asian countries and marched towards the West in the last decade. Known for its therapeutic and recreational benefits over a century, Kratom is one of the remarkable members of the Rubiaceae family.

The last five years saw the huge bloom of Kratom in the West with more number of online sellers hogging the internet space. However, this very plant which contains naturally occurring compounds has been in the limelight for the wrong reasons too. As interesting the benefits of Kratom might seem to be, the controversies surrounding the magical herb has an interesting angle too. The main issue is concerning the ban of Kratom in a few states in the US by the State and Federal law.

However, people have shown tremendous support for Kratom. Most of the agencies defame Kratom and its benefits citing several health issues without the presence of solid evidence to back their claim. Here is a small split-up to display the legal status of Kratom and its position in the rigid American Kratom legislation.

Kratom doesn’t come under the Schedule 1 Substance

If you aren’t aware, please keep in mind that Kratom isn’t a Schedule 1 Substance in the States. The FDA and DEA are two bodies that control the use of certain substances in the United States. When a particular substance is known to be harmful to the public, then the DEA places it under the Schedule 1 list which contains controlled substances like heroin and cocaine. In 2016, DEA wanted to bring Kratom under this list. But due to a public outcry, in favor of Kratom, DEA was forced to withdraw the proposal. From then on, DEA has conducted various sessions inviting people to talk about the effects of Kratom. At present, the DEA has left the issue where it was seen last, while the FDA is taking up the issue in the American legislation.

FDA vs Kratom

The FDA has been actively making public announcements and awareness against the consumption of Kratom for public safety. Though it doesn’t favor the decision of DEA, it aims at curbing down the supply of Kratom in the States. In 2016, FDA passed an Import alert, by which US districts have the authority to Seize Kratom shipments exported by flagged members. This alert was issued in the wake of Americans selling misbranded Kratom products. Following this alert, the FDA even issued a warning to Kratom sellers based on certain health issues. Some sellers tried their best to comply with the FDA regulations, while others stopped their involvement in Kratom business.

As far as the recent reports, it is still illegal to buy or sell Kratom in these districts of the United States.

1. Alabama

2. Arkansas

3. Indiana

4. Tennessee

5. Vermont

6. Wisconsin

So Kratom for sale is legal in other parts of the US and purchase to be made with the reliable online vendors would be appreciable. But still, there is no clarity in terms of the legal status associated with Kratom. It can be legal today, it might be illegal tomorrow. So, nothing can be predicted or taken for granted when it comes to Kratom. Though the future of Kratom has a long way to go with many associations fighting for the rights of American citizens to consume Kratom, the good news is that Kratom is still legal in most parts of the States. Well, if it is legal in your state, and then you can give it a try to see how well the magical herb works for you.