a quick look at kratom legislation around the country

Embracing Clarity: The State of Kratom Legislation Across the U.S. in 2025

Kratom, a botanical derived from the Mitragyna speciosa tree of Southeast Asia, has captured the attention of millions of Americans—nearly 2 million annually—who value its potential for supporting wellness, enhancing energy, and promoting relaxation. As of April 2025, the legal landscape for kratom in the United States is a dynamic tapestry of federal, state, and local regulations. This blog post explores the current state of kratom legislation, celebrates the herb’s growing acceptance, and highlights the efforts to ensure safe, responsible access for consumers.

The Federal Perspective: A Call for Balanced Oversight

At the federal level, kratom remains unscheduled, meaning it is not classified as a controlled substance. This status allows for its legal sale and use across much of the country, though the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) maintains a cautious approach. The FDA has not approved kratom as a dietary supplement or food additive, citing the need for further research into its safety and efficacy. Instead, it focuses on ensuring product purity, issuing import alerts to prevent contaminated kratom shipments—such as those with microbial risks—from entering the market. These measures aim to protect consumers while allowing access to high-quality kratom.

In 2016, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) considered scheduling kratom’s active compounds, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, but withdrew the proposal after receiving over 145,000 petition signatures and bipartisan congressional support advocating for kratom’s accessibility. Since then, the DEA has listed kratom as a “drug of concern” but has taken no further action to restrict it, leaving regulation to the states.

A significant development is the proposed federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), introduced in the Senate in 2023. This bill seeks to establish nationwide standards for kratom production, labeling, and sales, ensuring consumer safety while preserving access. Though it remains under consideration in 2025, its introduction reflects growing recognition of kratom’s role in wellness routines. Additionally, some lawmakers have proposed limiting the FDA’s authority to overly restrict kratom, aligning its oversight with that of dietary supplements. These efforts underscore a commitment to fostering responsible kratom use without stifling its availability.

State-Level Progress: A Spectrum of Support

As of January 2025, 22 states and the District of Columbia have implemented kratom-friendly regulations, ranging from robust consumer protection laws to age-based access guidelines. Below, we explore the diverse approaches states have taken to embrace kratom while prioritizing safety.

States Championing Kratom Consumer Protection Acts (KCPAs)

The KCPA, championed by the American Kratom Association (AKA), is a model legislation that promotes safe kratom use through age restrictions, transparent labeling, and quality control standards. States adopting KCPAs demonstrate a commitment to consumer empowerment and product integrity:

- Arizona: Since 2019, Arizona’s KCPA has set a gold standard for kratom regulation, requiring clear labeling and testing to ensure purity. This framework supports vendors and consumers alike, fostering a thriving kratom market.

- Colorado: Enacted in 2022, Colorado’s KCPA restricts sales to those 21 and older, ensuring responsible access. While a few towns, like Monument and Parker, have local restrictions, the state’s approach is broadly supportive.

- Florida: Florida’s 2023 KCPA regulates kratom for adults 21 and older, with clear guidelines for vendors. Though Sarasota County has a local restriction, the state’s framework promotes safe access statewide.

- Georgia: Georgia’s KCPA, in place since 2019, was strengthened by House Bill 181, effective January 1, 2025. This update raises the purchase age to 21 and requires kratom products to be stored behind counters, enhancing consumer safety.

- Utah: A pioneer in kratom regulation, Utah’s 2017 KCPA emphasizes rigorous manufacturing and labeling standards, ensuring that consumers receive high-quality products.

These states exemplify how regulation can support kratom’s role in wellness while addressing concerns about product safety and youth access.

States with Pending Legislation: Building Momentum

Several states are poised to join the KCPA movement or introduce other kratom-friendly laws in 2025, reflecting growing public and legislative support:

- Connecticut: Kratom is legal, and a 2024 proposal to restrict sales to those 21 and older is under review, signaling a move toward responsible regulation.

- Illinois: A pending KCPA bill would establish safety standards for kratom production and sales, with strong penalties for non-compliance, reinforcing consumer trust.

- Michigan: Lawmakers are considering a KCPA to regulate kratom’s distribution and manufacturing, ensuring quality for users.

- Minnesota: After a 2023 KCPA bill stalled, advocates are rallying for renewed efforts in 2025 to secure consumer protections.

- New Jersey: A bipartisan KCPA bill, introduced in December 2024, is under review, with potential to make New Jersey a leader in kratom regulation.

- New York: The Senate Agriculture Committee is reviewing a KCPA bill, while Senate Bill S4552, introduced in February 2025, proposes age restrictions to ensure responsible access.

- Ohio: A KCPA bill from 2023 is gaining traction, with advocates optimistic about passage in 2025.

- Pennsylvania: Though a 2023 KCPA bill did not advance, advocates are pushing for reintroduction, building on public support.

These efforts highlight a nationwide shift toward regulation that empowers consumers and ensures kratom’s safe integration into wellness practices.

States with Local Variations

In some states, local jurisdictions have implemented restrictions, creating a nuanced landscape for kratom users:

- California: Kratom is legal statewide, except in San Diego, Oceanside, and Newport Beach, where local ordinances apply. The state’s overall openness supports a robust kratom market.

- Mississippi: Kratom is legal at the state level, but over 30 counties and cities, such as Union County, have local restrictions. Legislative debates continue, with advocates hopeful for statewide protections in 2025.

- New Hampshire: Kratom is accessible for those over 18, though the city of Franklin has a local restriction, requiring users to stay informed about local rules.

These variations emphasize the importance of staying updated on local laws, particularly for travelers or vendors operating across jurisdictions.

States with Restrictive Policies

A small number of states have imposed broader restrictions, though advocacy efforts are underway to shift these policies:

- Alabama: Kratom is restricted, but the AKA is collaborating with lobbyists to introduce a KCPA, with potential progress in 2025.

- Arkansas: Currently restricted, Arkansas faces advocacy campaigns to replace prohibitions with consumer-friendly regulations.

- Indiana: Kratom is limited under synthetic drug laws, but a 2023 KCPA bill that passed the House offers hope for future change.

- Rhode Island: Kratom faces restrictions, though enforcement appears inconsistent, with some shops continuing sales.

- Vermont: Kratom is restricted, but advocacy groups are monitoring for opportunities to introduce protective legislation.

- Wisconsin: Kratom is limited, though a 2023 bill to regulate rather than restrict it signals potential for reform.

In these states, advocates are working tirelessly to educate lawmakers about kratom’s benefits and the value of regulation over prohibition.

Advocacy and Community: Driving Positive Change

The kratom community, led by organizations like the AKA, has been instrumental in shaping legislation. By hiring lobbyists, mobilizing consumers, and engaging with policymakers, the AKA has secured KCPAs in multiple states and continues to advocate for federal standards. Grassroots efforts, including petitions and public comments, have also played a critical role, as seen in the 2016 DEA scheduling reversal.

Social media platforms like X buzz with enthusiasm for kratom’s potential, with users sharing stories of its role in their wellness routines. Posts in early 2025 highlight advocacy campaigns in states like Arkansas and North Carolina, where communities are rallying to protect access. These efforts reflect a passionate user base committed to ensuring kratom remains available for responsible use.

Implications for Consumers and Vendors

For kratom users, the varied legal landscape underscores the importance of staying informed. Traveling with kratom requires awareness of state and local laws, particularly in areas with restrictions. Choosing reputable vendors who adhere to voluntary quality standards, such as those promoted by the AKA, ensures access to safe, pure products.

Vendors, meanwhile, must navigate a complex web of regulations, from labeling requirements in KCPA states to local restrictions. By prioritizing transparency and quality, vendors can build trust and support the broader kratom community.

The Road Ahead: A Bright Future for Kratom

As 2025 unfolds, kratom’s legal status is poised for further evolution. States like New York, New Jersey, and Ohio may adopt KCPAs, expanding access to regulated kratom. At the federal level, the KCPA bill and proposals to align FDA oversight with dietary supplement standards offer hope for unified, consumer-focused policies. Ongoing research, including FDA studies announced in 2024, will likely provide valuable insights into kratom’s benefits, further informing legislation.

For now, kratom users, vendors, and advocates can celebrate the progress made in securing safe, legal access across much of the U.S. By staying engaged, supporting advocacy efforts, and choosing high-quality products, the kratom community can continue to shape a future where this botanical thrives as a valued part of wellness practices.