Kratom can be an effective way to boost your mood and energy. But even though many people enjoy the effects of this herbal leaf, it is not for everyone. In particular, young people should not consume kratom.
To better protect young people from harmful effects, lawmakers and product associations are working to regulate the sale and use of kratom. This includes setting minimum age restrictions to use it. But “How old do you have to be to buy kratom?” While the answer can be difficult to find, we’ve gathered the most recent information to make sure you fully understand the legal requirements to buy and use this herbal product.
Is Kratom Legal Throughout the US?
Currently, kratom is legal on a federal level in the US. It is usually sold as a dietary supplement. It’s important to note that laws dictating the sale, possession, and use of kratom vary by state. In some places, you can purchase and consume it. However, in others, you can’t buy it, but you can possess it. In still others, buying, possessing, or consuming it is illegal.
Make sure you check the local laws in your area before purchasing or using kratom.
Current Regulations
Even though it is federally legal, kratom is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. In fact, the FDA tried to influence the DEA to classify it as a controlled substance in 2016. While this effort was unsuccessful, the FDA still does not regulate it. This means that nothing guarantees the quality and contents of the kratom you purchase.
Related: Best Kratom Vendors: Find Top Brands
Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA)
To better protect consumers, the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) was introduced. It creates regulations related to manufacturing, selling, and labeling kratom products. Products must be tested for purity and safety, and labels should be accurate in regard to the contents. Sales of kratom with over 2% of 7-hydroxymitragynine are also restricted.
States can change certain parts of the KCPA to better meet their needs. Accordingly, regulations such as age are different throughout the US.
How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Kratom?
Kratom alters how your body works and can be dangerous if you do not consume it safely and properly. Age restrictions have been put in place on various levels to protect young people better, just as it has been done for substances such as alcohol and marijuana.
Another key piece of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act was the inclusion of 18 as a minimum age to buy kratom. Since states can modify the KCPA or pass others as they see fit, the minimum age is variable depending on the state.
Many states require purchasers to be at least 18 years old. However, others set the minimum at 21. There is no particular age limit in states where kratom is legal but not regulated.
While looking to purchase kratom online, you may come across pop-ups that ask your age. For example, at Shot of Joy, we want to make sure you are at least 21 years old before visiting our website. This is due to a few reasons. For one, the age restrictions may differ in the state where the seller is based compared to where the buyer is from. Or, they may set the age as 21 to ensure no gray area and to better protect the consumer’s health.
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Purchasing Requirements in Different States
Regulations in different states and municipalities are constantly changing. Always make sure you double-check your local laws before purchasing or consuming kratom. The requirements listed below are current as of August 2023. But many states have pending legislation, so these may change even before the year ends.
States Where Kratom Is Illegal
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- Indiana
- Rhode Island (a House bill has passed to legalize and regulate the sale at age 21)
- Vermont
- Wisconsin
Regions Where Purchasing, Possessing, or Selling Kratom Unlawful
- Jerseyville, Illinois
- Denver, Colorado (consumption is banned, but sales are legal)
- Parker Town, Colorado (sales are illegal)
- Monument Town, Colorado (sales are illegal)
- Union County, Mississippi
- Franklin, New Hampshire
- San Diego, California
- Sarasota County, Florida
States Where Kratom Is Legal but Unregulated
In states where kratom is legal yet unregulated, there is no particular age limit to buy, possess, or use kratom. Some of these states currently have a KCPA bill pending in 2023. If these pass, the age restrictions may change, and regulations on quality and purity may be enforced.
- Alaska
- California
- Connecticut (a bill is pending to raise the age to 21)
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana (dueling bills have been proposed)
- Maine
- Massachusetts (a KCPA bill is active in 2023)
- Michigan (a KCPA bill is active in 2023)
- Minnesota (a KCPA bill is active in 2023)
- Missouri (a KCPA bill is active in 2023)
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Jersey (a KCPA bill is active in 2023)
- New Mexico
- New York (a KCPA bill is active in 2023)
- North Dakota
- Ohio (a KCPA bill is active in 2023)
- Pennsylvania
- South Carolina
- Washington
- Wyoming
Related: How to Take Kratom: Best Ways for Beginners
States Where the Age Limit Is Specifically 18 Years Old
These states have generally passed the KCPA:
- Arizona
- Georgia
- Illinois
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- North Carolina
- Oklahoma
- Texas
- Utah
States Where the Age Limit to Possess and Use Kratom Is 21 Years Old
- Colorado
- Florida
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Virginia
- West Virginia
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How to Safely and Legally Buy Kratom
While the Kratom Consumer Protection Act aims better to protect consumers from the dangers of unregulated kratom, it’s also important to take safety into your own hands. That starts by always sourcing your kratom from a reputable supplier and avoiding deceiving vendors such as the ones you’d find on Amazon.
Make sure to look for one that uses 100% all-natural and clean kratom. You don’t want it to have any synthetic alternatives. You also want to ensure you’re getting a potent product to get the most out of your experience.
At Shot of Joy, we’re committed to helping you feel better by producing the highest-quality kratom shots you can find.
In addition, make sure you thoroughly understand the laws related to kratom in your areas. Double-check whether it is legal to buy, possess, and consume kratom. Also, check the minimum age to do so. This can save you a lot of trouble later on.
Understand the Age Requirements to Buy Kratom
The laws surrounding the sale and use of kratom can be confusing. Unless kratom is unlawful, you generally must be either 18 or 21 to enjoy kratom products, including our delicious shots. Although they are subject to change, make sure to check the age requirements in your state and municipality.
Related: Is Kratom Legal? Kratom State Legality Guide
