Kratom Legality in Georgia: What You Need to Know

Laws vary by area when it comes to regulating this botanical, so always verify your local laws. As of 2024, is kratom legal in Georgia? Indeed, it is. In the Peach State, individuals over the age of 18 are permitted to buy, possess, and consume kratom.

Kratom Was Once Banned in Georgia

The journey to this point for kratom enthusiasts wasn’t straightforward. There was a time when Georgia had prohibited kratom, but thanks to the efforts of advocates, that ban was overturned.

Kratom is no longer considered an illicit substance but is instead subject to regulation. As long as you’re of legal age, you’re free to explore the varieties of this Southeast Asian plant without worry.

More About Georgia’s Age Restriction for Kratom Use

Organizations dedicated to kratom advocacy, such as the American Kratom Association (AKA), often endorse age restrictions for kratom use. The AKA, for instance, has actively promoted regulations to confine the use of kratom to adults within the framework of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) legislation that has been enacted in several states, including Utah, Georgia, and Oregon.

Anyone found in possession of kratom under 18 years of age or selling kratom to a minor will be guilty of a misdemeanor in Georgia.

Although misdemeanor offenses are not as serious as felonies, they carry considerable penalties. In Georgia, individuals convicted of a misdemeanor may face fines of up to $1,000, jail time of up to a year, or a combination of both.

Additionally, this conviction will appear on your criminal record, potentially impacting academic scholarships and career opportunities in the future.

Beyond Age Restrictions: KCPA Passes in Georgia

Implemented in April 2019, Georgia’s Governor sanctioned the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) under Bill HB 551, putting kratom usage regulations into effect.

This act, apart from the age restriction, mandates that vendors must label products clearly with ingredients, alkaloid content, and usage information. Violations can lead to misdemeanor charges, fines up to $1,000, or up to a year in jail.

The KCPA ensures that kratom products are properly labeled and sourced from reputable companies. This law enables legal purchase of kratom in cities like Columbus, Atlanta, Savannah, and Roswell, but demands strict compliance regarding product quality and labeling.

Why are these regulations in place? They aim to:

• Ensure quality by preventing contamination or adulteration with harmful substances.
• Guarantee accurate marketing, ensuring consumers receive pure kratom without undisclosed additives.
• Clarify alkaloid profiles, essential for determining appropriate serving sizes.

While kratom is indeed legal in Georgia, adherence to these standards is critical for both vendors and consumers to avoid legal repercussions and ensure safe consumption.

Why Do States Determine the Legality of Kratom

While kratom has not been designated as a controlled substance at the national level, it is flagged by the DEA as a substance of interest, placing it outside the scope of federal regulation. Consequently, the legal status of kratom falls to state governments to decide, leading to a patchwork of regulations across the country.

In this landscape, the use, sale, and possession of kratom can vary significantly, with outright bans in certain states, cities, and counties, while others permit its use without restriction. This state-by-state approach reflects the diverse attitudes and policies towards kratom within the United States.

Prospects for Kratom’s Legal Future in Georgia

In Georgia, kratom enjoys legal status under existing regulations. There’s a strong consensus that its legal standing will remain unchanged, bolstered by the success in enacting the Kratom Consumer Protection Act.

However, kratom enthusiasts should be aware that a new bill, House Bill 181 proposes classifying kratom as a Schedule 1 drug. This categorization would criminalize the possession of kratom, a move that has sparked intense debate.

Presently, the bill has not progressed in the legislative process. Critics of the bill advocate for regulation over prohibition, emphasizing quality control rather than outright bans.

Kratom’s Legal Status from State to State

Highest Quality Kratom in Georgia

The best way to ensure you are accessing the highest quality kratom is by purchasing it from a reputable source. Golden Monk’s kratom can be found both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Let’s take a look at some of our top-selling products in Georgia.

Kratom Gummies

Golden Monk’s Kratom Gummies each contain 10mg of premium kratom extract. They are especially popular with kratom users who are looking for an easily accessible method of taking kratom.

Kratom Capsules

Our Kratom Capsules contain 500mg of premium kratom powder. You can purchase 250, 500, or 1000 capsules made from our loose-leaf kratom varieties, including Green Maeng Da, Red Maeng Da, White Maeng Da, Green Malay, Red Bali, White Bali, Red Borneo, Green Borneo, White Borneo, Red Indo, and Red Thai.

Maeng Da Loose Kratom

Golden Monk’s Maeng Da Kratom comes in green vein, red vein, or white vein varieties of the popular horned leaf strain of the Mitragyna speciosa plant.

White Sumatra Kratom

Golden Monk’s White Sumatra Kratom comes from Sumatra in Indonesia and is sold in quantities of 250g to 1000g (1kg). It is similar to White Vein Bali and White Vein Borneo.

Red Borneo Kratom

Our Red Borneo Kratom is one of our most popular strains nationwide, coming in 250g, 500g, or 1000g (1kg) quantities.

Kratom FAQs

What is kratom?

Kratom is derived from the leaves of the Mitragyna speciosa tree, indigenous to Southeast Asia. Traditionally used for its medicinal properties in regions such as Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia, kratom is sought after today for its ability to enhance focus, boost energy, induce relaxation, and serve various other health-related purposes.

Is kratom legal in my state?

The legality of kratom differs across various states. In Georgia, individuals above 18 can legally obtain kratom, but restrictions can vary in other states. It’s essential to check the specific regulations in your state to understand the legal stance on kratom.

Does kratom have any unwanted effects?

When used responsibly, kratom typically doesn’t lead to severe adverse effects. Starting with a low serving size and observing your body’s reaction is advisable. Should you notice any undesirable effects, you might consider stopping kratom use, adjusting the serving size, or trying a different strain. Excessive consumption may result in symptoms like dry mouth, nausea, constipation, dehydration, and tiredness. Prolonged misuse can also lead to appetite and weight changes, skin conditions, and sleep disturbances. For any concerns regarding kratom and its impact, consulting a healthcare professional is wise.

How do you choose a high-quality kratom?

At Golden Monk, we are proud to be an audited member of the American Kratom Association cGMP (Current Good Manufacturing Practices) program. You can review our Certification of Analysis to learn more about how we maintain consistent, high-quality standards in our manufacturing facilities.

For Further Reading:

• Federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act
• Golden Monk About Us page
• Kallis, Sarah. “Lawmakers: Bill aims to ban kratom in Georgia.” GPB.org. 17 Feb 2023
• “Kratom Regulation: Federal Status and State Approaches.” crsreports.congress.gov. 28 Nov 2023