Kratom
Restrictions
Kratom is a growing, multi-billion-dollar industry in the United States. However, U.S kratom regulation is complex and rapidly evolving. Before purchasing Kratom from Iron Mountain Labz, make sure you are aware of the current federal and state approaches to Kratom regulation so you can operate freely in this high-risk space.
What is Kratom, and How is it Used?
Kratom is a tropical evergreen tree that is derived from the Mitragyna Speciosa species. It is mostly native to Southeast Asia and also belongs to the coffee family (Rubiaceae). The leaves of this tree contain a variety of alkaloids responsible for the psychoactive effects they are being researched for. It is believed to have the ability to interact with opioid receptors in the brain, producing effects that can range from stimulant to sedative and pain-relieving.
What is the Kratom Controversy? Critics vs Advocates
The debate surrounding Kratom regulation is constantly a battle between advocates for its potential benefits against critics who warn about its potential risks. Advocates claim that Kratom can help with opioid withdrawal, boost mood, and relieve pain. Some subjects have even reported feeling less dependent on opiates and other conventional medications.
Conversely, critics will argue that kratom is not a safe alternative to opioids but rather a replacement for them. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is among the critics who point to the lack of clinical studies demonstrating kratom’s safety and effectiveness while cautioning about the potential for addiction, misuse, and negative side effects like seizures and liver damage.
How is Kratom Regulated?
Kratom is not federally regulated and does not appear in the federal Controlled Substances Act (CSA). However, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) has officially designated kratom as a “Drug and Chemical of Concern,” and the FDA warns people against using it due to the possibility of serious side effects, such as liver poisoning, seizures, and drug use disorder. Many states and municipalities have chosen to restrict kratom in some way, as there are no federal regulations in place.
State and Local Kratom Restrictions
Before purchasing any Kratom from Iron Mountain Labz, make sure you are up to date on the latest regulations that may apply to your state:
Kratom is illegal in the following U.S. states
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Indiana
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
Kratom is legal but may be regulated in the following states
- Alaska
- Arizona (KCPA passed)
- California (except San Diego and Oceanside)
- Colorado (except Parker and Monument; in Denver, it must be labeled "not for human consumption")
- Connecticut
- Florida (except Sarasota County)
- Georgia (KCPA passed)
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois (18+ except banned in Jerseyville, Alton, Glen Carbon, Edwardsville)
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota Mississippi (except Union County)
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada (KCPA passed)
- New Hampshire (18+)
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee (21+)
- Texas
- Utah (KCPA passed)
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wyoming
Is Kratom Legal in Other Countries?
Globally, kratom’s legality varies, with several countries having imposed bans, including the following:
- Australia
- Denmark
- Finland
- Israel
- Japan
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Myanmar
- Malaysia
- New Zealand (with prescription only)
- Poland
- Romania
- Russia
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Sweden
- Thailand
- Vietnam
