Right now, in the United States, there are currently no laws restricting kratom at the federal level. The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) tried making kratom a Schedule 1 substance (and effectively ban it) in 2016. However, this effort failed following a strong backlash from the more-than-100,000-strong kratom community in the U.S.

However, several states – as well as various counties and cities in those states – have passed laws to either regulate or prohibit the sale of kratom. This post provides you with essential and up-to-date information about kratom’s legal status throughout the United States.

What is the Kratom Consumer Protection Act?

Throughout this article you will see references to the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), a piece of legislation passed by several states. This act serves to protect kratom users by regulating the kratom industry in the state. The KCPA ensures that people can access legal, high-quality kratom, and that they are not exposed to unregulated and potentially dangerous kratom products.

Multiple states where kratom is currently banned are debating reversing the ban, and passing the KCPA instead.

The States

Alabama: Kratom has been illegal in Alabama since 2016. Being stopped with large quantities of kratom could result in a drug trafficking charge.

Alaska: Kratom is legal in Alaska, as of October 2020.

Arizona: Kratom is legal in Arizona. The rights of kratom users in Arizona are protected thanks to the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.

Arkansas: Kratom has been illegal in Arkansas since February 2016, and is currently listed as a Schedule 1 substance.

California: Kratom is legal in California, except for in the city of San Diego

Colorado: Kratom is legal in Colorado, however kratom products sold in the City of Denver must not be marketed for human consumption. Kratom is prohibited in both Monument Town and Parker Town.

Connecticut: Kratom is legal in Connecticut, as of October 2020.

Delaware: Kratom is legal in Delaware, as of October 2020.

Florida: Kratom is legal in Florida, with the exception of Sarasota County, where it has been prohibited since January 2014.

Georgia: Kratom is legal in Georgia, as of October 2020. The state has also passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.

Hawaii: Kratom is legal in Hawaii, as of October 2020. However, state lawmakers are considering passing legislation to ban it.

Idaho: Kratom is legal in Idaho, as of October 2020.

Illinois: Kratom is legal everywhere in Illinois, with the exception of Jerseyville City. State lawmakers are considering a bill that would make kratom possession a misdemeanour.

Indiana: Kratom has been illegal in Indiana since 2014, and is listed as a Schedule 1 substance.

Iowa: Kratom is legal in Iowa, as of October 2020.

Kansas: Kratom is legal in Kansas, as of October 2020. State lawmakers are currently reviewing the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.

Kentucky: Kratom is legal in Kentucky, as of October 2020. In 2016, the state government failed in its attempts to ban kratom.

Louisiana: Kratom is legal in Louisiana, as of October 2020. However, if the federal Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) decides to make kratom a Schedule 1 substance in the future, kratom will be banned.

Maine: Kratom is legal in Maine, as of October 2020, after an attempt to ban it failed. The state may pass the Kratom Consumer Protection Act in the near future.

Maryland: Kratom is legal in Maryland, as of October 2020. But legislation is pending to prohibit the key alkaloids in kratom, such as mitragynine.

Massachusetts: Kratom is legal in Massachusetts, as of October 2020.

Michigan: Kratom is legal in Michigan, as of October 2020. However, legislation that would make kratom a Schedule 2 drug in the state is pending.

Minnesota: Kratom is legal in Minnesota, as of October 2020.

Mississippi: Officially, kratom remains legal in Mississippi, but several counties and cities have banned it, with others considering doing the same. A bill to ban kratom state-wide is currently being debated.

Missouri: Kratom is legal in Missouri, and the state may soon enact the Kratom Consumer Protection Act. However, some counties within the state are considering prohibiting kratom.

Montana: Kratom is legal in Montana, as of October 2020.

Nebraska: Kratom is legal in Nebraska, as of October 2020.

Nevada: Kratom is legal in Nevada, as of October 2020. The state has also passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.

New Hampshire: Kratom is legal in New Hampshire, but only available to those aged 18 and over. However, Franklin City has banned kratom.

New Jersey: Kratom is legal in New Jersey, as of October 2020. However, the state is considering a law to ban kratom.

New Mexico: Kratom is legal in New Mexico, as of October 2020.