Thinking about buying or traveling with kratom? Understanding kratom legality isn’t always simple.
Rules vary widely by state and even by city. This guide breaks down where kratom is legal, regulated, or banned,
and shows you how to confirm the latest rules before you order or hit the road.
What is kratom and why laws vary
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a tropical tree native to Southeast Asia. In the U.S., its legal status
is set at the state and local level. Some states regulate labeling and sales, some restrict age, and a few ban it outright.
The federal stance on kratom
At the national level, kratom is not a federally controlled substance. The federal stance today is:
- DEA: Withdrew a 2016 notice to schedule kratom; no federal scheduling as of this update.
- FDA: Warns about safety and has import alerts against kratom in dietary supplements; has seized adulterated products.
- NIDA/NIH: Supports research into kratom’s pharmacology and public health impacts.
Kratom legality by state: a quick snapshot
Below is a plain-English snapshot for each state. “Regulated” typically means there are rules for labeling, testing,
and age limits (often via a Kratom Consumer Protection Act). “Legal” means no statewide ban, though local rules may apply.
States with statewide bans
- Alabama — Illegal (Schedule I)
- Arkansas — Illegal (Schedule I)
- Indiana — Illegal (Schedule I)
- Rhode Island — Illegal statewide
- Wisconsin — Illegal statewide
Commonly regulated states
- Arizona — Regulated
- Georgia — Regulated
- Nevada — Regulated
- Utah — Regulated
- Oklahoma — Regulated
- Colorado — Regulated
- Oregon — Regulated
- Texas — Regulated
- Florida — Regulated
- West Virginia — Regulated
- Michigan — Regulated
- Tennessee — Regulated/age restricted
- Virginia — Age-restricted/labeling rules
State-by-state notes (alphabetical)
Format: State — Status — Quick note
Alabama — Illegal — Schedule I; no possession or sales.
Alaska — Legal — No statewide ban; check local rules.
Arizona — Regulated — Labeling/testing rules; age limits apply.
Arkansas — Illegal — Schedule I; banned statewide.
California — Legal — Some local bans (e.g., City of San Diego).
Colorado — Regulated — Statewide standards; age minimum enforced.
Connecticut — Legal — No statewide ban; verify local ordinances.
Delaware — Legal — No statewide ban.
Florida — Regulated — State rules and age limits; some local restrictions (e.g., Sarasota County).
Georgia — Regulated — KCPA-type rules; age restrictions.
Hawaii — Legal — No statewide ban.
Idaho — Legal — No statewide ban.
Illinois — Legal — No statewide ban; common 18+ limits; some city bans.
Indiana — Illegal — Banned statewide.
Iowa — Legal — No statewide ban; bills considered in recent sessions.
Kansas — Legal — No statewide ban.
Kentucky — Legal — No statewide ban; proposed bills appear periodically.
Louisiana — Legal — No statewide ban; some parish/city restrictions possible.
Maine — Legal — No statewide ban.
Maryland — Legal — No statewide ban.
Massachusetts — Legal — No statewide ban.
Michigan — Regulated — Labeling/age requirements in effect.
Minnesota — Legal — No statewide ban.
Mississippi — Mixed — Legal statewide; numerous county/city bans. Verify locally.
Missouri — Legal — No statewide ban; regulation efforts ongoing in recent years.
Montana — Legal — No statewide ban.
Nebraska — Legal — No statewide ban.
Nevada — Regulated — KCPA-type rules; age limits enforced.
New Hampshire — Legal — Commonly 18+; one or more local bans (e.g., Franklin).
New Jersey — Legal — No statewide ban.
New Mexico — Legal — No statewide ban.
New York — Legal — No statewide ban; some local age restrictions.
North Carolina — Legal — Sales to minors restricted; check labeling rules.
North Dakota — Legal — No statewide ban.
Ohio — Legal — No statewide ban; regulators have considered rules.
Oklahoma — Regulated — Labeling/testing rules; age limits.
Oregon — Regulated — State health authority rules; age restrictions.
Pennsylvania — Legal — No statewide ban.
Rhode Island — Illegal — Banned statewide.
South Carolina — Legal — No statewide ban.
South Dakota — Legal — No statewide ban.
Tennessee — Regulated — Legal with age/labeling restrictions.
Texas — Regulated — KCPA-type rules; age limits enforced.
Utah — Regulated — KCPA enacted; product standards required.
Vermont — Verify — Status has been under review in recent years; check current Department of Health rules.
Virginia — Regulated — Age restrictions and labeling standards apply.
Washington — Legal — No statewide ban.
West Virginia — Regulated — Labeling and age standards in effect.
Wisconsin — Illegal — Banned statewide.
Wyoming — Legal — No statewide ban.
District of Columbia — Legal — No district-wide ban; verify local retail policy.
Real-life example: Crossing state lines
Maya lives in Georgia, where kratom is regulated and sold with age limits. She planned to visit family in Indiana,
where kratom is illegal. Before traveling, she checked both states’ websites, confirmed Indiana’s ban, and chose not to bring
any products. She also saved the links on her phone in case she needed to show a retailer or traveling companion the rules.
How to check kratom legality where you live
Use this step-by-step approach before you buy or travel. It’s practical, fast, and helps you avoid surprises.
- Search your state’s official site: “[Your State] statute kratom” or “[Your State] Department of Health kratom.”
- Confirm city/county rules: Look up your city council or county code website for “kratom.”
- Check age and labeling rules: Many places restrict sales to minors and require specific product labels.
- Look for recent bills: Search your state legislature’s bill tracker for “kratom” to see pending changes.
- Save documents: Bookmark statutes or PDF guidance; laws can come up at checkout or while traveling.
Buying safely in regulated markets
- Verify labels: Ingredients, alkaloid content if required, batch/lot, and manufacturer contact.
- Ask for lab results: Many regulated states require contaminant and identity testing.
- Avoid “miracle” claims: Disease-treatment claims are a red flag and can trigger enforcement.
- Respect age limits: Retailers should check ID where age restrictions apply.
Traveling with kratom
- Map your route: Don’t carry kratom through states where it’s illegal.
- Keep it sealed and labeled: Original packaging and receipts help prove product type.
- Air travel: TSA focuses on safety, but local laws at departure/arrival still apply.
- International trips: Many countries ban kratom—research before packing.
Conclusion
Kratom legality in the U.S. is a patchwork of bans, regulations, and local rules. Check your state and city,
respect age limits, and keep documentation when traveling. When in doubt, verify with official sources before you buy.
Want timely updates on changing rules? Subscribe to your state legislature’s bill alerts or your Department of Health newsletter.
FAQs (Accordion)
Is kratom legal in the United States at the federal level?
There is no nationwide ban. Kratom is not scheduled federally. However, the FDA has taken enforcement action against adulterated or misbranded products, and some states or cities have their own rules.
Which states currently ban kratom?
As of this update: Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin ban kratom statewide. Always confirm the latest law before you buy or travel.
What is a Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA)?
A KCPA is a state law framework that regulates kratom products—typically requiring age limits, testing, labeling, and prohibiting adulterants. Several states have enacted KCPAs or similar rules.
Can I travel with kratom between states?
Yes, if you stay within states where kratom is legal or regulated. Do not carry kratom into states where it is illegal. Keep products in original packaging and save receipts.
How do I verify my local kratom rules?
Check your state statutes and your city/county code; search for “kratom.” Review Department of Health guidance and your legislature’s bill tracker for recent changes.