Is Kratom Legal? Federal Status, State Laws & Where It’s Banned in 2024

Kratom's legal status is one of the most frequently asked questions surrounding this popular botanical. The answer is genuinely complicated: kratom exists in a regulatory gray zone at the federal level while being outright banned in some states and tightly regulated in others. This guide fromPureCraft CBDprovides a comprehensive, up-to-date overview of kratom's legal status across the United States and internationally.

Federal Legal Status of Kratom

At the federal level, kratom is currently legal in the United States. It is not classified as a controlled substance under the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). This means it can be legally purchased, possessed, and used in most parts of the country — with important state-level exceptions noted below.

The FDA has not approved kratom for any medical use and has issued warnings about its potential risks. However, these regulatory actions do not constitute a federal ban on kratom itself. View ourthird-party lab results for full product transparency.

The DEA's Involvement

The DEA made headlines in 2016 when it announced its intent to temporarily place kratom's active alkaloids into Schedule I. After over 140,000 public comments opposing the scheduling and a bipartisan group of 51 members of Congress urging reconsideration, the DEA withdrew its scheduling notice. As of now, kratom has not been federally scheduled. See our full breakdown:The Debate Over the Kratom Ban

States Where Kratom Is Banned (Fully Illegal)

States With Local Restrictions

States Where Kratom Is Fully Legal

All remaining US states — approximately 44 — have no specific kratom laws. This includes major states such as Texas, Florida, New York, Illinois, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Michigan.

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA)

Rather than pursuing outright bans, a growing number of states have opted to regulate kratom through the KCPA — model legislation developed by the American Kratom Association. KCPA provisions typically include:

International Kratom Legality

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I order kratom online legally?

Yes — if you live in a state where kratom is legal, purchasing kratom online and having it shipped to your address is legal. Most reputable vendors do not ship to states where kratom is banned.

Is kratom legal to carry on a plane?

Domestically, you can fly with kratom through states where it's legal. TSA does not specifically screen for kratom. However, if your destination state bans kratom, you would be subject to that state's laws upon arrival.

Is kratom a controlled substance?

Not at the federal level. In six states (AL, AR, IN, RI, VT, WI), kratom alkaloids are classified as controlled substances under state law.

Conclusion

Kratom is federally legal in the United States but subject to a patchwork of state and local regulations. Six states currently prohibit it outright. The regulatory landscape is changing — toward greater consumer protection and standardization in most jurisdictions. AtPureCraft CBD, we are committed to full regulatory compliance and consumer transparency.

Sources & Citations

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