Best Kratom: Kratom Legality & Kratom Consumer Protection Act

Is Kratom Legal?

The industrial revolution enabled faster and more efficient production. Our pharmaceutical industry, for example, is very good at isolating 1 active ingredient, then chemically synthesizing a similar molecule on a massive scale. This is analogous to our food supply in the US…which is optimized for mass-production and scalability…and not necessarily for our ‘best’ long term health.

It is understandable that the FDA turned away from biologics back in the 1970s in order to enable this scalability. The FDA has a tough job of regulating labels, claims, and manufacturing practices before trying to consider the complexities of biologic therapeutics. However, the more our collective knowledge increases, we begin to understand the importance of these biologic complexities and the symbiotic relationships present within our microbiomes called the human body. More than ever, it is important for new disruptive industries to come together to promote education and commit to acceptable standards.

As this shift from synthetics to biologics and natural products gains momentum, it is critical to meet with our legislators. In order to reduce risks and provide maximum societal benefits as kratom gains in awareness and popularity.

When disruptive industries or technologies work hand-in-hand with government representatives, they can enter the marketplace with assurances and stability and avoid hysteria, confusion, and backlash.

ETHA Natural Botanicals is proud to be a part of this group of Kratom Industry Business Leaders committed to self-regulation and adherence to manufacturing standards and best practices.

 

ETHA Co-Founder, Alexander Karp, with Senator Bramble at Utah House

Kratom Consumer Protection Act

The Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) has passed in 11 states: Oregon, Colorado, Utah, Georgia, Arizona, Nevada, Missouri, West Virginia, and Virginia, Texas and Florida. The American Kratom Association (AKA)  has laid the groundwork for similar KCPA bills in the following states: Idaho, Kansas, Illinois, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, South Carolina, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Rhode Island, New York, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. The Kratom Consumer Protection Act is also being targeted for federal passage.

DECEMBER 2022: UPDATE  Federal KCPA Passage and Progress 

This monumental effort requires kratom continued support from supporters and business owners to unite and provide any and all available resources. Please sign up to stay informed.

MAY 2023: KCPA Passed in Texas and Florida! Louisiana does NOT pass Ban on Kratom.

JULY 2023: American Medical Association House of Delegates "rejects extreme policy of criminalizing the use of kratom". Rejects Mississippi's too strict proposal to ban over-the-counter kratom sales and adopts

RESOLUTION 515 states amongst other things: 

  • kratom policy should be dictated by science that is driven by research
  • individuals using kratom for personal use should NOT face criminal charges
  • kratom should be regulated by the FDA through medical trials...

Read Resolution HERE

Support kratom manufacturers who abide by the Kratom Consumer Protection Act like: ETHA NATURAL BOTANICALS

Want to see an example of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act?

Additional Updates - World Health Organization on Kratom

DECEMBER 2021: WHO recommends Against Kratom Review

-initial reports from the World Health Organization (“WHO”) Executive Committee on Drug Dependency indicate that “there is insufficient evidence to recommend a critical review of kratom.” 

Read more about this monumental WIN for the kratom community:

WHO KRATOM DECISION

 

Kratom Legality in United States

Information courtesy of kratomanswers.org

CURRENT KRATOM LEGALITY MAP
LEARN MORE HERE: American Kratom Association

Kratom Legality in Europe

  • Albania: Kratom is not a controlled substance
  •  Austria: Kratom is legal.
  • Belarus: Kratom’s main alkaloid mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine are illegal.
  • Belgium: Kratom entirely legal. 
  • Bosnia: Kratom is not a controlled substance.
  • Bulgaria: Kratom forbidden since 2011.
  • Croatia: Kratom Banned.
  • Cyprus: Kratom included in list of psychotropic substances.
  • Czech Republic:Kratom legal.
  • Denmark: Kratom scheduled as controlled substance since 2009.
  • Estonia: Kratom is a controlled substance since 2015.
  • Finland: Kratom Banned since 2014.
  • France: Kratom defined as psychotropic substance since 2020.
  • Germany: Kratom fully legal.
  • Greece: Kratom legal. 
  • Hungary: Not a controlled substance.
  • Iceland: Kratom is controlled substance.
  • Ireland: Prohibited in 2017.
  • Italy: Outlawed in 2016. Talks to repeal this decision.
  • Kosovo: Not listed as controlled substance.
  • Latvia: Kratom banned.
  • Lithuania: Banned on list as narcotic, mitragynine is a controlled substance.
  • Luxembourg: Controlled substance since 2012.
  • Malta: Kratom is legal.
  • Moldova: Controlled substance since 2010.
  • Montenegro: Not a controlled substance.
  • Netherlands: Kratom is legal.
  • North Macedonia: Kratom is legal.
  • Norway: Kratom banned.
  • Poland: Banned since 2009.
  • Portugal: Sale is not allowed, and possession is non-criminalized.
  • Romania: Banned.
  • Russia: Illegal since 2011.
  • Serbia: Gray area.
  • Slovakia: Kratom legal.
  • Slovenia: Outlawed since 2019.
  • Spain: Kratom is legal.
  • Sweden: Sold online but technically illegal.
  • Switzerland: Banned since 2017.
  • Turkey: Controlled substance since 2014.
  • Ukraine: Kratom legal. 
  • United Kingdom: Banned since 2016.

Legality Worldwide

  • Canada: Kratom not safe for human consumption.
  • Mexico: Not a regulated substance.
  • Argentina: the ONLY South American country that clearly mentions mitragynine as an illegal substance currently.
  • China: no clear regulation, but best not to bring it into the country.
  • Israel: Kratom considered a dangerous drug.