If you are an old-time kratom enthusiast, you would know how the DEA has tried its level best to Ban Kratom back in 2016. However, their attempt was not quite successful. If anything, it further increased the popularity of kratom as it became the talk of the town. Since then, DEA has been trying to put a nationwide ban. We discuss it all in this DEA kratom ban update along with the current kratom legal status.
In this DEA Kratom Ban update, we first discuss the efforts of DEA and the very limited success that it had. Then, we talk about the legality of kratom, followed by our view of what the future holds.
Overall, except for a few states and cities, kratom is largely legal in the US. However, if you are planning to Buy Kratom, you must check whether it is legal in your state or city.
Efforts of the DEA to Ban Kratom
Kratom in the US has had an interesting history. In this regard, 2016 is considered to be the most important year in kratom’s timeline in the US. When wanting to buy kratom US, you will come to realize the intense backlash that DEA faced from kratom advocates.
Even though kratom is a natural herb that comes from the Mitragyna Speciosa plant, the federal government placed kratom on the list of Schedule 1 substances. The authorities including the DEA had ignored all the arguments that were presented to them regarding kratom’s source.
Their prime target was two naturally found alkaloids present in the kratom leaf. These include the 7-hydroxymitragynine and Mitragynine.
Hence, a nationwide kratom ban was proposed to be imposed on 31st August 2016. This ban, albeit temporary, restricted anybody from buying, possessing, distributing, or manufacturing kratom in the US. This also meant that researchers could no longer study the herb’s unique properties and characteristics.
Though, the DEA faced an intense backlash from the kratom community, along with several key people who held important administrative positions. As a result of this, the ban was lifted.
At first, the DEA Kratom ban update was set to 1st December 2016. However, due to the huge backlash, they delayed the ban for an indefinite period.
Fortunately, this allowed researchers and scientists to continue discovering more about this herb. While at the same time, kratom gained even more popularity as it caught the attention of the masses.
Even though their efforts remained largely unsuccessful, this certainly does not mean that DEA has given up. Both DEA and FDA still plan to put strict limitations or a nationwide ban on kratom products. Kratom advocates continue the struggle for normalization by spreading awareness about kratom strains and their natural properties. For as long as this struggle continues, kratom is not likely to get fully banned.
Current Legality of Kratom
If you are planning to purchase kratom, it is crucial to know about its legalities. Based on the current DEA Kratom Ban update, kratom for sale is legal in the US except for a few states where it is fully illegal. These states include:
- Alabama
- Wisconsin
- Indiana
- Arkansas
- Vermont
- Rhode Island
In other states, certain limitations apply. For instance, New Hampshire kratom buyers need to be at least 18 years old. In Tennessee, the legal age to buy kratom is 21 years.
Furthermore, in Illinois, kratom is illegal in Jerseyville whereas it is legal for people above 18 in other areas of this state. In California, kratom is illegal in San Diego but it is legal in other California cities. Moreover, it is also illegal in Sarasota County while being legal in the rest of Florida.
Do note that it is legal in Mississippi, but not legal in Union County. Lastly, except in Denver, kratom is legal for sale/purchase in Colorado.
Overall, obtaining kratom in the states where it is legal is not hard at all. There are thousands of kratom vendors in the US. While some of these have local shops, others also have online stores that deliver high-quality kratom.
Among these, ‘Buy Kratom Bulk USA’ is considered to be a decent kratom wholesale store. This store directly imports the best quality kratom from exclusive farms in Southeast Asia. These farms follow strict standards of safety and production, which makes their kratom capsules and powders top of the line.
The Future of Kratom
Overall, the future of Kratom may be slightly blurry. However, kratom advocates have been very vocal about the acceptance of this natural herb. Hence, we can certainly expect a brighter future.
Though, the DEA, FDA, and other Big Pharma don’t seem to give up. Yet, due to the rising popularity of kratom and a very devoted community, a nationwide ban may not be likely.
We hope that this DEA kratom ban update provided some clarity to you. For more insightful guides, visit our kratom blog.