Is Kratom Legal?

Is Kratom Legal?

As the popularity of kratom has increased significantly in the West over the last decade, and particularly in the last few years, many have been asking “Is kratom even legal?” Maybe you’ve been given conflicting information or even heard that bills were in the works to make it illegal. In this article, we break it down for you:

Is Kratom Legal in the U.S.?

At this time, kratom is legal in all U.S. states except for the following states:

• Arkansas (In 2016, kratom was added to the controlled substance list)
• Alabama (In 2016, kratom was named a Schedule 1 controlled substance)
• Indiana (In 2014, Indiana defined kratom as a Schedule 1 drug)
• Rhode Island (In 2017, the government criminalized the alkaloids in kratom, however, a new bill to reverse the ban and regulate it instead is currently in the works)
• Wisconsin (In 2014, two primary alkaloids in kratom are classified as Schedule I substances)
• Vermont (In 2016, Vermont placed the two main alkaloids in kratom on the list of controlled drugs) 

In addition, there are individual city bans including Alton, IL; Columbus, MS; Denver, CO; Jerseyville, IL; San Diego, CA; Sarasota, FL; Franklin City, NH and a county ban in Union County, MS.

As of 2020, there is pending legislation on kratom in the following states: Oregon, Idaho, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Louisiana, Mississippi. Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, Virginia, New Jersey, New Hampshire, Maryland, and Georgia.

U.S. government regulators have made several attempts to ban kratom in the last several years only to be met with significant backlash from the kratom community. Advocacy groups, such as the American Kratom Association (AKA) and the Botanical Education Alliance, as well as the community itself, through petitions, donations, and by showing up at government meetings, have all worked hard to keep kratom legal.

The American Kratom Association

Established in 2014, the American Kratom Association is a consumer advocacy organization and lobbyist group which has been working hard to keep kratom legal in the United States. AKA is a Virginia-registered non-profit corporation.

According to the AKA, “The FDA has deployed an unrelenting anti-kratom disinformation campaign since 2012, and every day we see more of the unfair attacks by the FDA in local cities, counties, and townships in addition to their broad attacks on kratom at the state and federal levels.” 

According to its website, the American Kratom Association has 5 main goals:

1. Support Consumers. We believe many political and private entities don’t make the needs of the consumer and constituents a priority. Our goal is to change that.
2. Educate. Kratom has many beneficial purposes and is an all-natural alternative. Our goal is to educate all Americans—from potential consumers to regulators and everyone in between.
3. Amplify. We represent thousands of Americans that each have a story to tell. We believe the current environment in the United States often does not listen to individual voices and together we will make our voice heard.
4. Global Awareness. We hope to demonstrate responsible use and practical knowledge other countries may study when considering Kratom legislation.
5. Protect Natural Resources. Kratom is a precious natural resource. We support and advocate for sustainable harvesting techniques and reforestation efforts.

Why Should Kratom Remain Legal in the U.S.?

In the American Kratom Association’s article “The Top Ten Reasons Kratom Should Not Be Classified as a Schedule 1 Drug or Banned By Any State or Local Government,” the AKA highlights the expertise of Dr. Nora Volkow, Director of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), who believes we should be busy studying kratom – not classifying it as a Schedule I drug.

Dr. Volkow previously testified to Congress that when a substance gets a Schedule I, it makes research much more difficult.

Looking to the Future

Kratom has been the subject of several recent studies. Research supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), published in June in ACS Central Science, offered new positive insights into the safety of kratom. The team, including researchers from Columbia and Memorial Sloan-Kettering, discovered that in mice, there was evidence that mitragynine and its related compounds may trigger therapeutic effects such as analgesia, while also limiting the negative side effects typical of classical opioids.  The findings point toward kratom’s potential in pain research as well as the need for further studies.

Is Kratom Legal in Europe?

Kratom legality varies in the European Union (EU). Kratom is an illegal substance in Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania, and Sweden. In the United Kingdom (UK), it’s more complex. While kratom isn’t listed as a Schedule I substance, it most likely falls under the category of “psychoactive” substance in the Psychoactive Substances Act 2016 in the UK.

Is Kratom Legal in its Native Southeast Asia?

It may seem odd that kratom is subject to such strict regulations in areas where it grows naturally, but unfortunately, that is the case.

Indonesia: The Indonesian government currently allows the growing and harvesting of kratom for export, although local sales and distribution are illegal. In June 2019, however, Indonesia’s Minister of Health proposed a potential kratom ban that could become effective in 2024. According to the government, this would allow farmers 5 years to transition their livelihood away from kratom and toward other crops. 

As virtually all of the world’s kratom is produced and exported from Indonesia, a ban would cause quite a shock to the kratom community, including Indonesian farmers, American kratom business owners, and consumers. But there is hope that if worse comes to worst and the Indonesian ban is passed, Thailand may be able to fill in some of the demand, as the tide may be changing there regarding kratom legislation. 

Thailand: Although the Thai government considered legalizing kratom in 2004, 2009, 2013, and 2020 to no avail, it did begin allowing kratom to be used for medicinal purposes in 2018. Then in 2019, the government announced that kratom would be removed from their narcotics list, where it has been since 1979. Kratom cultivation has been illegal in Thailand since 1943. 

Malaysia: The use of kratom leaves is still prohibited under Section 30 of the Poisons Act 1952. However, its use is still fairly common among locals as the tree grows natively and kratom tea is readily available in villages. 

Would you like to try kratom for yourself? Siesta Botanicals is the best source for high-quality kratom powder. Click here to see all of our products.

 

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Using Kratom Powder: Quick FAQs

When Using Kratom Which Strain Should I Choose?

First, decide what kind of effects you’re looking for and let it guide your choice of which kratom powder to use. Are you looking for energy or mental alertness? Relaxation? A mood boost? For most kratom drinkers, white vein gives a unique energy boost, green offers a feeling of mild euphoria and red vein is great for relaxing and is also used by some for its pain-killing attributes. 

Mixing the veins is quite popular as well. So if you want a little euphoria and a little relaxation, combine green and red — or you can try yellow kratom which offers similar effects. Mix and match and decide on which type or combo works best for you.

How Much Kratom Powder Do I Use?

Dosage certainly varies among kratom tea drinkers, but it’s always best to start small. A recommended starting point is to mix one teaspoon or less of kratom powder with orange juice or water to see how it feels. You may not feel any effects with such a small dose, but it can give you the chance to see if you experience any negative effects such as dizziness or nausea. If all goes well, you can try two teaspoons.

How Long Until I Feel the Effects of Kratom?

Some people say they can feel the effects of kratom within minutes, but for others, it can take up to an hour (especially if you’ve got a full stomach). Consuming kratom on an empty stomach will typically speed up the process.

How Long Will Kratom Effects Last?

The duration of kratom effects varies depending on the dose and whether or not you take it on an empty stomach, but in general, the effects can be felt for a few hours and some people have reported up to 6 hours or more.

Should I Skip Days?

In order to keep your tolerance low and avoid any potential withdrawal symptoms, it’s advisable to take kratom every other day rather than every day. Or if you take it a few days in a row, give yourself a few days off. It’s also good to allow several hours to pass after the effects wear off from the first dose before you take another dose.

What Are Some Natural Kratom Potentiators?

A few potentiators include grapefruit or lemon juice, cinnamon, turmeric or chamomile tea (but keep in mind that chamomile has relaxing or sedating qualities).

Stay Hydrated!

While it’s always advisable to stay hydrated, it’s especially important while drinking kratom tea as it can be dehydrating.

Ready to try kratom for yourself? Check out our top-quality kratom powder here.

 

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https://siestabotanicals.com/using-kratom-powder-quick-faqs/

How Kratom Tea Can Support the Sober Lifestyle

Different Strokes for Different Folks

If you were to walk into a kratom/ kava bar, you’d likely meet a variety of people with different reasons for drinking kratom tea. Some simply like the effects and drink it only occasionally. Others, upon discovering the tea, may have realized the benefits of living a sober life while still being able to enjoy the relaxation and social benefits of an alcohol-serving bar. Many of these people have even given up alcohol or other substances at some point in their lives and are on the challenging but extremely rewarding journey of sobriety. Why does kratom align with a sober mindset?

Sober Life

As obesity and chronic health conditions continue to rise in the U.S., many people are opting for a healthier way of living. Along with clean eating and exercise, many have chosen to give up alcohol and other substances that can either pack on the calories or make anyone feel like garbage the next day. But it’s no secret that it can be hard to give up that nightly drink or lifestyle. This is where kratom tea, and even kratom/ kava bars, can fit nicely into the sober way of life. Whether you’re looking for something to help you wind down at the end of the day, or if you simply need a morning energy boost, there’s a tea for you.

How Kratom Tea Can Support the Sober Lifestyle: Daytime

When was the last time you had a huge list of things to do but you just couldn’t muster up the mental or physical energy to get everything accomplished? It happens to all of us, and particularly to those of us who turn to alcohol or other substances to self-medicate for various reasons. Alcohol is a depressant that can drain the energy right out of you, particularly as it’s wearing off. For many, choosing to forego alcohol in the evening and live a sober life gives them a lot more maintainable energy during the daytime.

Kratom tea drinkers who are looking for an extra energy boost during the day often turn to white vein kratom. Similar to coffee, it can help people get up and go without having to pay dearly for the effects later. Many people even use it before going to the gym and find it gives them the energy boost they’re looking for. 

Simply make a cup of white kratom tea in the morning or before working out and see how you feel. Start with a small amount, and if needed, add more until you get the right effects.

How Kratom Tea Can Support the Sober Lifestyle: Evening/ Night

You’re home from work and all you want to do is wind down and relax. For many kratom tea drinkers, the red vein is a great replacement for that glass of red wine or beer. The calming effects of red kratom can be felt throughout the body, and as a huge bonus, you’ll still have mental clarity! Yep, you can relax without feeling groggy or drunk. That’s the beauty of red kratom tea. And on top of this, red kratom is used by many people with sore muscles and other types of physical pain. Like white, start with a small amount until you reach the desired effects.

Those Moments In Between

If you’re not specifically looking for daytime energy and don’t want anything too relaxing, you may opt for green kratom tea. It’s considered a little bit of both. Many say it has a unique feeling of mild euphoria. Again, start with a small amount and work up to your desired effects.

If you’re looking for a way to support your sober lifestyle check out our kratom powder here.

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https://siestabotanicals.com/kratom-tea-sober-lifestyle/