How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Kratom?

When it comes to the kratom industry, the regulations are mostly unclear and highly depend on the location. Thus, each state in the US independently sets age limits. Kratom is not legal on the federal level; some states ban kratom or are about to do it. What’s more, there are a few cities that also have established their own limits on purchasing and possessing kratom.

That’s why it is normal to wonder what age restrictions are in place near you. And to be 100% sure, you should always check the latest news and updates from your state as laws frequently change.

Mount Kratom works hard to deliver the freshest information about kratom regulations in the US. Scroll down and look for your state to ensure you are able to purchase and possess kratom.

What Is Kratom?

Kratom, or Mitragyna speciosa, is a tree found in Southeast Asia. Its leaves contain mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine chemicals that have sought-after properties. This evergreen plant is native to tropical locations like Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, and Thailand.

Traditionally, kratom leaves used to be chewed. Now, kratom is readily available in many forms, ranging from powders to capsules and extracts. Kratom products have piqued the interest of many, thanks to their potential benefits. However, there is still much research to be conducted before anything can be scientifically confirmed.

As of now, we know that kratom may be used to promote well-being. The two main compounds of kratom are believed to have muscle-relaxing properties when used in higher doses and can give you a boost of energy when used in smaller doses. Although there is a lot to be researched about kratom. 

Where to Check If Kratom Is Legal?

Kratom is becoming more popular worldwide despite little research available on it. It has potential health effects that also need to be studied. For these reasons, the legality of kratom highly varies, along with the age restriction.

Is Kratom Legal in the US?

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not approve kratom but is currently investigating and researching it. The Drug Enforcement Administration has marked it as a Drug and Chemical of Concern. Therefore, it is up to the US states to determine whether kratom is legal, limited in use, or fully restricted. They also determine the age limit.

Back in 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration had plans to classify kratom as a Schedule I drug. Schedule I drugs are substances that do not have any health benefits and possessing a drug of this class is equal to a felony. The DEA could not have foreseen the backlash that would receive from the kratom community. Thanks to the efforts of those who use kratom as a herbal remedy, DEA didn’t continue with its plans.

Is Kratom Legal in Other Countries?

The thing with kratom is that not every country has even started discussing its legality. The information is scarce, but we do know that some countries in Europe (e.g., Denmark, Finland, Poland, etc.) have prohibited it. It is also illegal in Thailand, Myanmar, Malaysia, New Zealand, Australia, the UK, and Vietnam.

What Are the Age Restrictions on Kratom?

There are states that do not have a certain age restriction; however, the majority of them allow people aged 18 or older to purchase kratom. Some states can change the age limit to 21.

What Is Kratom Consumer Protection Act?

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) is a bill initiated by the American Kratom Association in order to aid in regulating it. It includes the following aspects:

  • Obligatory lab testing for products with kratom,
  • Decreasing the risk of selling kratom with any kind of defect,
  • Introducing fines for manufacturers that do not operate according to regulations.

US State Laws on Buying Kratom (Legal Status & Age of Purchase)

Alabama

  • Legal status: ILLEGAL
  • Age of purchase: N/A

Alabama Governor Robert J. Bentley signed a bill to schedule kratom as a Schedule I drug, making kratom illegal to sell and possess.

Alaska

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

Alaska hasn’t regulated or banned kratom, allowing online vendors to sell it and consumers to possess it at any age; however, most of the local shops would still put an age limit of 18 or higher. Consuming kratom is also allowed anywhere throughout Alaska.

Arizona

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: 18

The state of Arizona passed the Kratom Consumer Protection Act in 2019 that requires companies to follow the industry standards when manufacturing kratom and removing the kratom products with any kind of defects, among other vital requirements. If kratom vendors neglect the rules and continue to sell kratom, they will face hefty fines and punishment.

Arkansas

  • Legal status: ILLEGAL
  • Age of purchase: N/A

Up until 2013, kratom was widely available all over Arkansas. But later the state decided to ban kratom and classify it as a Schedule I drug.

California

  • Legal status: LEGAL, with the exception of San Diego and Oceanside
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

Next time you travel to California to buy kratom products, make sure to avoid entering the city of San Diego and Oceanside where the product is banned. As for Oceanside, kratom is illegal due to its compound 7-hydroxymitragynine and added to the list of synthetic drugs.

Colorado

You can find kratom everywhere in the state of Colorado; however, don’t walk with the product anywhere near the towns of Parker and Monument as kratom is prohibited there. When shopping for the substance in Denver, you will notice that the package is labeled as not for human consumption.

Connecticut

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

Connecticut is the state where there are no limits on kratom, as it can be bought anywhere there. Additionally, you won’t face problems with city limits or local government trying to pass a bill against it.

Delaware

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

Similar to Connecticut, Delaware has nothing against kratom and lets its citizens freely sell, possess, and consume it.

Florida

  • Legal status: LEGAL, with the exception of Sarasota county
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

For now, kratom remains legal in Florida, except for the county of Sarasota where the herb was banned in 2014. The 2022 Florida Kratom Consumer Protection Act is discussed in order to regulate kratom to make its products safe for consumers. The risk of unethical manufacturing processes can lead to the local government banning kratom fully without giving the industry a chance to improve.

Georgia

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: 18

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act is in action and efficiently protects kratom buyers and sets quality standards for sellers.

Hawaii

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

Being an idyllic holiday destination, Hawaii has a lot of things to offer, ranging from beach and ocean to legal kratom. Hopefully, it will remain legal and nothing like the 2020 ban bill will ever appear again.

Idaho

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

Selling and buying kratom is legal in Idaho; however, there is no age limit on it. In 2020 there was an effort to pass the Kratom Consumer Protection Act but it didn’t succeed.

Illinois

  • Legal status: LEGAL, with the exception of Alton and Jerseyville
  • Age of purchase: 18

There was a bill in 2018 to make kratom illegal but, fortunately, it failed. There are only two locations in the state of Illinois where kratom is forbidden – Alton and Jerseyville. As for the rest of the state, you can freely purchase kratom and possess it. The only restriction is age, you must be over 18.

Indiana

  • Legal status: ILLEGAL
  • Age of purchase: N/A

Kratom is a Schedule I drug in the state of Indiana because two of the main compounds are considered synthetic substances.

Iowa

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

In 2014, the Iowa State tried to pass the bill to ban kratom because of its substances; however, it was unsuccessful because the compounds are of natural origin. Now, you can buy it, order it, and possess it anywhere in Iowa.

Kansas

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

Kansas was another state where the Senate tried to pass the bill banning kratom. Luckily, this time it was also unachieved. Now, there is a much better proposal being considered and it is to approve Kratom Consumer Protection Act.

Kentucky

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

Kentucky is pushing hard to ban kratom; however, their efforts have been in vain so far. Hopefully, kratom activists will be able to keep it that way.

Louisiana

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

Similar to Kentucky, the same story is happening in Louisiana because the lawmakers try hard to schedule kratom as a controlled substance.

Maine

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

Kratom is legal all over Maine, although the State tried to ban it unsuccessfully. Now you can sell and buy kratom anywhere in the state.

Maryland

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

Buying and selling kratom is legal and you won’t have a problem ordering products from online shops.

Massachusetts

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

So far there are no active campaigns against kratom in Massachusetts. You can buy it and possess it with no problems.

Michigan

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

Luckily, kratom is readily available in Michigan, and the recent bill to ban it failed. So no worries about getting your herb there.

Minnesota

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: 18

In Minnesota, anyone above 18 years old can purchase kratom legally. There are no bills filed to ban it so feel free to possess and use it anywhere in the state.

Mississippi

  • Legal status: LEGAL with the exception of Union County and the city of Columbus
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

Mississippi has banned kratom in some cities. However, it is readily available elsewhere within the state borders without official age restrictions.

Missouri

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

Kratom is legal in Missouri. What’s more, the activists are pushing hard to introduce the Kratom Consumer Protection Act in order to regulate the industry and deliver only safe kratom products.

Montana

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

Currently, there are no restrictions in place and kratom users can purchase and possess the herb anywhere in the state.

Nebraska

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

All large cities together with the rest of the state allow the purchase and possession of kratom without any boundaries.

Nevada

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: 18

Nevada was the fourth state to adopt the Kratom Consumer Protection Act which limits the age of purchase to 18+. Other than that, there are no bans or limitations so you can freely get it anywhere in the state.

New Hampshire

  • Legas status: LEGAL with the exception of Franklin City
  • Age of purchase: 18

Except for Franklin City, you can get kratom anywhere in the state of New Hampshire if you are over 18 years old.

New Jersey

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

So far there have been three bills proposed to ban kratom, and all of them were declined except for the last one. The latest bill appeared in 2020 and is under investigation. However, for now, you can easily purchase kratom without a problem.

New Mexico

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

In contrast to New Jersey, New Mexico hasn’t raised any concerns in regards to the herb and it seems everybody is happy with the promising properties it has. You can get kratom in this state, facing no issues.

New York

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: 18

As accessible as it can be, kratom is sold to consumers over 18 years old. There were a few bills on review; however, they weren’t strong enough to make a difference.

North Carolina

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: 18

The only restriction the North Carolina state has achieved is to restrict kratom to users who are above 18 years old. Besides, the strong support from the kratom community has managed to prevent the herb from being banned.

North Dakota

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

North Dakota hasn’t tried to either ban or regulate the kratom industry, so anybody can purchase it and use it.

Ohio

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: 21

Ohio is one of the states that allow vendors to sell kratom to people over 21 years old. Unfortunately, the current legislation can put a stop to it and ban kratom for everyone.

Oklahoma

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

Oklahoma activists and lawmakers are battling; the former wants to regulate the industry while the latter wants to ban the herb. Thankfully, the kratom community is big and can have a strong influence on the state. For now, kratom is legal and hopefully will remain so.

Oregon

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

There is no discussion going on in the state about banning kratom. Instead, lawmakers are looking into the opportunities to regulate the industry and ensure safe products to the consumers.

Pennsylvania

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

Pennsylvania is open to kratom and has no bans against it. The state is only trying to regulate the industry and make it safe for consumers.

Rhode Island

  • Legal status: ILLEGAL
  • Age of purchase: N/A

Currently, kratom is considered a controlled substance in Rhode Island. Hopefully, this can be reversed with the new bill that is being examined.

South Carolina

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: 18

Finding kratom in South Carolina is easy, you can order it online and possess it. It is legal to sell to consumers over 18 years old.

South Dakota

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: 21

There is only one restriction on kratom and this is the age limit of 21 years old. Other than that, you can access kratom without a problem.

Tennessee

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: 21

Kratom is legal in Tennessee but it is only sold to people over 21 years old.

Texas

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

Kratom is legal in Texas, and there was an effort to try to regulate it with Kratom Consumer Protection Act, although unsuccessful.

Utah

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: 18

The first state to adopt the Kratom Consumer Protection Act is Utah, protecting both kratom sellers and buyers. Although there was an effort to pass a bill banning kratom, luckily, it didn’t pass through.

Vermont

  • Legal status: ILLEGAL
  • Age of purchase: N/A

Don’t risk ordering kratom if you are located in Vermont. Kratom is a Schedule I drug, meaning selling or possessing it will lead to a fine and is considered a felony. However, since kratom is a natural substance, the 2021 bill may remove the ban and allow Vermont citizens to enjoy kratom once again. Let’s hope for the best!

Virginia

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

For any kratom enthusiast, it will come as a disappointment that Virginia may ban kratom. Now, it is a legal substance available without any limitations; however, it may change if the bill passes. The good thing is that the bill needs to gather a lot of information about kratom before the state can make any decisions.

Washington

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

There are no restrictions when it comes to selling and buying kratom in the state of Washington. There is also no age limit. However, this may change if the state passes the bill of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.

West Virginia

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

You are free to sell and buy kratom all over the state of West Virginia as it is legal. As of now, there are no age limits but vendors may have their own age restrictions in place.

Wisconsin

  • Legal status: ILLEGAL
  • Age of purchase: N/A

Kratom advocates tried to stop the bill from being passed but to no avail. In 2014, the Wisconsin Senate officially banned kratom outright. However, there is a chance that the state government will cancel the ban and instead consider the Kratom Consumer Protection Act to regulate the industry.

Wyoming

  • Legal status: LEGAL
  • Age of purchase: No official age restrictions

Kratom continues to be legal in Wyoming, and there are absolutely no restrictions on who and where can sell, buy, and possess kratom.

States That Are About to Ban Kratom

Do not purchase kratom if you are located in:

  • Alabama
  • Arkansas
  • Indiana
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • Wisconsin

There are a few pending legislation against kratom, trying to ban the substance from being accessed. Although it may take years to accept any, here is a list of potential states that could ban kratom in the near future:

  • Hawaii
  • Illinois
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • New Jersey
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Virginia

States Where Kratom Ban May Be Lifted in the Future

Here is a list of states where kratom is currently banned but could be soon decriminalized:

  • Indiana
  • Rhode Island
  • Vermont
  • Wisconsin

Where to Buy Kratom?

If you are looking for a vendor that sells kratom, following the industry standards of the highest quality, check out Mount Kratom. We have extracts, capsules, and powders of the magical leaves and ship to all states where Mitragyna Speciosa is legal.

DISCLAIMER

Kratom is not regulated by federal law, hence, every state has a say in deciding whether the controlled substance is legal or not. Make sure to check state laws before purchasing kratom.