As of June 24, 2025, kratom’s legal status in the United States is not set by the federal government but is instead governed by a mix of state and local laws. While kratom has not been listed as a controlled substance at the federal level, states have each chosen their own way of handling the plant-some have banned it, while others regulate it or leave it mostly unregulated. Because different rules apply in different places, it’s important to check the laws in your state or city before buying or using kratom.
What Is Kratom and Why Does the Law Regulate It?
Kratom (Mitragyna speciosa) is a plant native to Southeast Asia, where people have used its leaves for hundreds of years. Traditionally, the leaves were chewed, made into tea, or ground into powder. People use kratom for its stimulant and calming effects, sometimes to help with pain or to boost energy and improve mood.
The plant’s main active chemicals can attach to opioid receptors in the brain, creating effects similar to some prescription and illegal opioids like morphine. This is one of the main reasons kratom attracts both supporters and opponents in the U.S.
Why do states make laws about kratom?
States regulate kratom because of both possible benefits and risks. Supporters say kratom can help with pain or support people trying to stop using opioids, offering a plant-based alternative. Opponents, though, worry about side effects, dependence, and the fact that there’s not a lot of solid scientific research yet. Another concern is that there is no official quality control, meaning products could be contaminated or too strong, which could harm users. States try to find a balance between letting adults buy kratom and keeping people safe.
Is Kratom Legal Under Federal U.S. Law?
Yes. The federal government does not ban kratom. There are no nationwide rules stopping people from selling, buying, or using it. However, without a federal policy, states have created their own laws, and this has made the legal status across the country confusing.
Are any new federal rules coming in 2025?
So far, no federal rule is in progress to add kratom to the controlled substances list. In the past, the DEA tried to ban it, but public protests led them to back down. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is still unsure about kratom and warns about its risks, but a new study from the FDA has shown regular kratom powders and capsules appear safe, though more research is needed on other product types.
What does the FDA think about kratom?
The FDA is cautious about kratom. They have issued warnings about the possible risks and addictive properties of the plant. The FDA says there isn’t enough proof yet that kratom is medically useful, and this is often brought up by states that are considering bans. Still, new research, including FDA-funded studies, might lead to changes in thinking over time.
Kratom Laws in 2025: State-by-State Guide
Kratom’s legal status changes from state to state, and sometimes from city to city within the same state. Rules range from full bans to laws with specific consumer protections.
Kratom legality map: Color key
- Green: Kratom is legal with no specific regulations
- Yellow: Legal with some rules or regulations (example: age limits, testing, labeling)
- Red: Completely illegal by state law
- Striped: Legal in the state but banned in some cities or counties
As of April 2025, over half the states and the District of Columbia have created some rules about kratom, instead of banning it outright.
States where kratom is legal
Kratom can generally be sold and used in these states, though some may be planning new rules:
- Alaska
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Hawaii (no state law, failed attempt at KCPA in 2025)
- Idaho
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky (21+; KCPA since 2024)
- Maine
- Maryland (KCPA since 2024)
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Jersey (KCPA bill pending)
- New Mexico
- New York (KCPA bill pending)
- North Carolina (18+ age restriction)
- North Dakota (study law in place)
- Ohio (KCPA bill pending)
- Pennsylvania (KCPA bill pending)
- South Carolina (KCPA effective July 2025)
- South Dakota
- Texas (tighter regulations start September 2025)
- Virginia (KCPA since 2023)
- Washington
- West Virginia (21+; KCPA since 2023)
- Wyoming
Even in states where kratom is “fully legal,” many are adding new rules for things like age limits and product testing, which shows the trend is moving toward creating basic safety standards.
States with full bans
These states have made kratom and its main compounds illegal. Having, using, or selling kratom here is a crime.
- Alabama (since 2016)
- Arkansas (since 2016)
- Indiana (since 2014)
- Rhode Island (since 2017)
- Vermont (since 2016)
- Wisconsin (since 2014)
States with city/county bans or rules
Some states allow kratom but have local places where it’s banned or restricted:
- California: Legal in state but illegal in San Diego, Oceanside, and Newport Beach; state officials are considering broader regulations.
- Colorado: Generally legal; banned in Denver (not for human consumption), Monument, Parker, Greenwood Village. 21+ statewide age limit.
- Florida: Legal except in Sarasota County (ban since 2014). 21+ age rule statewide.
- Illinois: Legal for adults 18+, but banned in Jerseyville, Alton, Edwardsville, and Glen Carbon.
- Louisiana: Legal in most areas, but banned in several parishes; a statewide ban goes into effect August 1, 2025.
- Mississippi: Legal at the state level, but banned in 30+ cities and counties. New rules in 2025 set age minimum and add taxes.
- New Hampshire: 18+ statewide, but banned in Franklin.
- Tennessee: 21+ statewide, and some cities have bans.
Because the status can change from city to city, always check local laws before buying or carrying kratom.
States with Kratom Consumer Protection Acts (KCPA)
KCPA laws are designed to make kratom safer by putting in requirements for sellers and manufacturers. These usually require:
- Age limits (usually 18 or 21+)
- Lab testing for contaminants
- Detailed labeling about ingredients and warnings
- Bans on very strong or impure products
- Penalties for selling products that don’t meet the rules
By June 2025, these states have put KCPA-style regulations in place (some recently or with updated laws):
- Arizona
- Colorado
- Florida
- Georgia
- Kentucky
- Maryland
- Nevada
- Oklahoma (awaiting final updates in 2025)
- Oregon
- South Carolina (KCPA effective July 2025)
- Texas (new restrictions start September 2025)
- Utah
- Virginia
- West Virginia
States considering new kratom laws in 2025
| State | Status in 2025 |
|---|---|
| Hawaii | KCPA bills failed but debate continues |
| Kansas | KCPA bill still under review |
| Massachusetts | KCPA bill pending |
| Michigan | KCPA bill pending |
| Minnesota | KCPA effort continues after failed 2023 bill |
| Montana | Failed study, but more research is likely |
| New Jersey | KCPA bill being reviewed |
| New York | KCPA bill in Senate committee |
| North Dakota | Mandatory legislative study (2025-2027) |
| Ohio | KCPA bill pending |
| Pennsylvania | KCPA efforts ongoing |
| Wisconsin | Advocacy continues for legal reform |
Kratom in Washington, D.C.
Kratom is legal and unregulated in Washington, D.C. There are no special local rules, but some basic regulatory oversight may develop in the future.
Why Do Some States Ban Kratom?
States that ban kratom usually do so for a mix of reasons, including health concerns and uncertainty about its long-term effects. Common reasons for bans are:
- Worries about health and addiction: Some state health officials warn that kratom could cause addiction or serious side effects, such as seizures, vomiting, or in rare cases, death.
- No FDA oversight: Without government safety checks, there’s a risk of unsafe products. States are concerned about people unknowingly buying kratom mixed with dangerous chemicals.
- Reports of people getting sick: States sometimes ban kratom after reports of overdoses or health crises, even when based on anecdotal evidence.
- Incorrect classification: Some states mistakenly treat kratom as a “synthetic” drug even though it is a natural plant. This can lead to even stricter controls.
- Opioid-like effects: Because kratom works on opioid receptors, some see it as too close to dangerous opioids and want to keep it off the market.
Advocacy groups challenge many bans by showing that some decisions relied on old or limited information and by pushing states to consider new research.
Recent big changes to kratom laws in 2025
- Louisiana SB 154: Statewide ban starting August 1, 2025.
- Mississippi HB 1077/1896: Enacts KCPA and brings an excise tax.
- Montana HJ 60: Failed attempt to require a legislative study.
- New Jersey AB 1188: Would create a regulatory framework and require studies if adopted.
- North Dakota HB 1566: Sets up a government-led research study before new rules are considered.
- Oklahoma SB 891: KCPA strengthening bill awaiting final steps.
- South Carolina SB 221: KCPA law takes effect July 2025; bans sales to people under 21.
- Texas SB 1868: Sets strict limits on 7-hydroxymitragynine and bans certain synthetic versions.
What Does the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) Mean for Users?
KCPA laws are becoming more common as states try to improve kratom product safety without outright banning the plant. A KCPA usually means:
- Sales to people under age 18 or 21 are forbidden
- Required safety testing before products are sold
- Specific labeling rules, which include warnings and ingredient lists
- Product impurity or strength limits, especially on strong extracts
- State registration for sellers and serious penalties for breaking the law
States with an active KCPA as of June 24, 2025: Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Nevada, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Carolina, Texas, Utah, Virginia, and West Virginia.
Can You Buy or Travel with Kratom in 2025?
The reality is that it depends on both where you are and where you’re going. Even though kratom is federally legal, you can’t ignore state or local laws.
Buying kratom online and in stores
- Online: You can order from reputable U.S. vendors if your state allows it, but they will not ship to banned states or cities; trying to get around these blocks could land you in trouble.
- In Stores: If allowed in your state, kratom is available at specialty shops, vape stores, or health stores, but only if the business follows all the local rules-especially in KCPA states. In banned states, it won’t be sold in any legal stores.
Check the rules where you live before buying, as laws can change quickly.
Traveling with kratom
- If you bring kratom to a state where it’s banned (for example, from Georgia to Alabama), you could face fines or even jail.
- If you travel through or to a city or county with a ban, you are still risking penalties even if your destination state allows kratom overall.
- Air travel: TSA follows federal law, but local police at your destination will enforce their own rules. Always make sure kratom is legal where your plane lands.
Always double-check the current status before traveling with kratom, as breaking local laws can have serious consequences.
How to Keep Up with Kratom Laws
Kratom rules can change at any time. It is a good idea to regularly check for updates so you don’t break a new law by accident.
Where to find up-to-date legal information
- Your state’s health department and drug control board websites
- Your state’s legislative website for bill status and new laws
- City or county government pages for local rules
- Local news outlets for ban announcements
- Legal research sites for detailed comparisons
Cross-checking a few reliable sources is smart, as summaries and guides may sometimes be outdated.
Kratom advocacy groups and resources
- American Kratom Association (AKA): Main national group for legal alerts, advocacy, and updated maps. They offer tools to check your state’s laws and track changes.
- Other natural supplement advocacy groups
- Online user groups: Useful for quick updates, but always double-check with official sources.
Advocacy groups not only monitor legal changes but also show how to get involved or contact your lawmakers if you want to support or oppose new bills.
Frequently Asked Questions: Kratom Legality in 2025
Is kratom legal in my state?
Kratom’s legal status changes depending on both the state and sometimes even the county or city. In June 2025, it is federally legal, but states have their own rules-some ban it, some regulate it, and others leave it mostly alone. The best way to check is to look at official state government sites or updated maps from advocacy groups such as the AKA.
Why do kratom laws change so often?
Kratom laws shift often because each state decides its own policies without a national rule to follow. New research, campaigning by supporters, responses to health incidents, and political changes all affect the laws. If a state sees problems or there’s strong public pressure, they may make quick changes-either to ban kratom or add new safety rules.
Could banned states legalize kratom in the future?
It’s possible but not easy. Groups like the AKA campaign to overturn bans and promote careful regulation instead. Some states push back strongly, but ongoing research and public support sometimes cause states to review or even change their laws. A move from full ban to careful regulation is possible if enough lawmakers are convinced by new evidence or public demand.