A tropical plant native to South East Asia and also considered an herbal supplement, find out is kratom legal and if so, where?

You might have recently heard about the controversial substance known as Kratom, which has become increasingly popular in the United States over the past few years.



Although knowledge of Kratom is fairly new to most Americans, kratom preparations have been used for centuries in other parts of the world. In areas of Southeast Asia, Kratom has traditionally played a role in socio-religious ceremonies. There, people have also used it to treat various medical conditions for many years.

But, is kratom legal?
In this post, we'll reveal the answer to this and other commonly-asked questions about kratom. Read on to find out the truth about this mysterious tropical plant! 

What is Kratom?
Kratom is an evergreen plant that's indigenous to Southeast Asia, New Guinea, and the Philippines.  It's a member of the Rubiaceae family, whose other members include coffee and gardenia.

Kratom has been popular for years among Malaysian and Thai populations and in other parts of Southeast Asia, where it's known to have a variety of uses. For example, workers in these areas have traditionally used it to combat fatigue and increase energy.

The Effects Produced By Kratom 
The way that users react to Kratom is unusual because its' effects can vary widely depending on the dosage. When taken in low doses, kratom works as a stimulant. Yet, when taken in higher doses, it produces a euphoric effect.

In high doses, the effect produced by kratom is often compared to that of opioids.

Kratom Use in the United States
Kratom is currently used by U.S. consumers to fight opiate addiction withdrawal and as a treatment for pain. It's also sometimes used as a mild stimulant. People have reported using it to treat various other conditions as well, including diarrhea, strained and sore muscles, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), just to name a few.

Could Kratom Help to End America's Opioid Crisis?
Over the past decade, there has been increasing awareness of the high number of Americans suffering from consequences related to opioid use.

In 2017, almost 50,000 out of a total of 70,200 overdose deaths in the U.S. involved opioids. CNN recently reported the National Safety Council's findings that the odds of dying from an opioid overdose in America are now greater than the odds of dying in a vehicle crash.

Today, people are searching for a solution that could help to end America's opioid epidemic. Meanwhile, sufferers of addiction are applauding kratom as a safer alternative to taking opioids.

Kratom Criticism Spurs Debate
Despite reports supporting kratom by those suffering from addiction and other conditions, some critics voice concern over its use. 

The FDA warns that kratom may be addictive. And, though it appears to be far less dangerous than opioids, a recent report by the Center for Disease Control claimed that kratom was responsible for 91 out of 27,000 overdose deaths over an 18-month period that ended in December of 2017. But, the validity of the CDC report is already being questioned.

While kratom was found to be present in toxicology reports involving the 91 deaths mentioned above, other substances were involved in nearly all cases. The "other substances" listed included opioids, as well as additional drugs that have well-known risks associated with overdose and misuse.

Due to the conflicting data found in the CDC's recent report, it's speculated that it will further fuel the debate of whether kratom should be listed as a controlled substance.

Many major political players, including Bernie Sanders and members of the current White-House administration, argue against labeling kratom as a controlled substance. 

Another controversial decision to ban kratom by the DEA in 2016 has already been recalled after receiving backlash from the public.

Is Kratom Legal in Your State?
Currently, kratom is available online and it's sold in many stores throughout the United States. 

Although kratom is legal in most states, there are some that label it as a controlled substance. In such states, it is illegal to possess, use, grow or sell kratom.

The states that ban the use and possession of kratom include:
● Alabama
● Arkansas
● Indiana
● Rhode Island
● Vermont
● Wisconsin
In Illinois, everywhere except for Jerseyville, kratom is legal for anyone over the age of 18. In New Hampshire, the legal age of use is also 18 years old. In Tennessee, kratom is legal for anyone over 21.

Other states have specific cities or counties where kratom is illegal, but legal to use and possess everywhere else within the state.

Examples of states with specific cities or counties banning kratom include the following:
● California: Kratom is legal except in the city of San Diego
● Florida: Kratom is legal except for in Sarasota County
● Mississippi: Kratom is legal except for in Union County
● Colorado: Kratom is legal except for Denver, where it is banned from human consumption
In states other than those listed above, kratom is legal to use and possess. It's also legal for retailers to sell products containing kratom.

What If You Live in an Area Where Kratom Is Illegal? 
Unfortunately, if you live in a place that bans the use and possession of kratom, then you are required to follow the law. However, if you travel outside of the area to a state where it's legal, then you are permitted to follow the law of that jurisdiction for the time that you are there.

Luckily, most people live in states where kratom is legal. So, most Americans have nothing to worry about when it comes to using or possessing kratom. In these states, you can order kratom online or purchase it from a local retailer, if you choose.

Kratom is legal in the states of: Alaska, Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wyoming. 

Find Out More!
If you've wondered "Is kratom legal?", there's a chance you might have questions about the legalization of other popular supplements and herbs, as well. We're here to keep you informed about the most current news, trends, and updates about what's legal (and what's not) where you live.

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