Will Kratom Show Up on a Drug Test? And What Can You Do About It?
Kratom’s popularity throughout the U.S. isn’t slowing down, but it’s also safe to say kratom...
View PostKratom comes from the mitragyna speciosa, a tropical evergreen tree native to Southeast Asia whose leaves have been used for centuries as an herbal supplement in traditional medicines.
In 2016, the DEA announced its intention to have kratom added to the list of Schedule I substances, which would make it illegal in the US.
Fortunately, advocacy efforts by groups like the American Kratom Association (AKA) rallied to lead the DEA to reverse their course of action. However, if you live in or are traveling to Alabama, you should be aware that the state, despite being famous for its southern hospitality and beautiful Gulf Coast beaches, is one of the six states where kratom is currently illegal in the U.S.
Find out all about the history of kratom in Alabama and the current laws governing kratom use in the area. We’ll tell you where kratom is restricted, where you can go to get it, and what you need to know about kratom advocacy.
On May 10, 2016, Governor Bentley signed Alabama Senate Bill 226 into law. Although the bill didn’t mention kratom specifically, it outlawed two of the kratom plant’s most prevalent alkaloids—hydroxymitragynine and mitragynine. The ban automatically included all kratom products.
Stores that sold kratom in Alabama had only 48 hours to remove it from their shelves and dispose of it. The Marhsall County District Attorney’s office issued a notice to law enforcement agencies and merchants across Northeast Alabama informing them of the prohibition. Anyone who didn’t comply risked a felony charge.
Susan Ash, director of the American Kratom Association, fought the bill in Alabama. Ash said it was a step backward to criminalize a product that helps so many people, including veterans. “Freedom of choice of a better, safer form of natural medication lost out,” Ash said in an email.
Whether you purchase kratom in a neighboring state or purchase it online, be aware that you are violating state law and could therefore face felony charges.
According to state law:
“Crimes involving controlled substances range from Class A to Class D felonies, punishable by substantial prison terms and/or fines, with enhanced penalties if controlled substances are sold to persons under 18 years of age or within a three-mile radius of campus boundaries of a college or school.”
This is not something to be taken lightly. As Huffington Post pointed out, Alabama law enforcement officials are very zealous when it comes to enforcing the kratom ban.
The FDA has been waging a campaign against kratom for several years now. According to the American Kratom Association (AKA), most adulterated kratom products in the U.S. are caused by unscrupulous vendors who spike their products with dangerous substances to increase sales.
The KCPA aims to protect consumers by ensuring kratom products are pure and safe. Initiatives like the AKA’s GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) Standards Program has made it possible for shoppers to find trustworthy kratom vendors without any process of elimination. GMP participants submit their kratom to a third-party audit, which tests for purity and potency. They also offer detailed labeling.
In states where the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) has been enacted—Utah, Georgia, Arizona, and Nevada—there has been a significant decrease in the number of adulterated kratom products. This highlights the importance of regulating kratom to protect consumer safety.
The American Kratom Association urges states to resist FDA overregulation and support consumer freedom to use safe kratom products.
Golden Monk joins the American Kratom Association in urging Alabama residents to reach out to local lawmakers. Advocacy efforts have saved kratom in the past, including the DEA dropping its proposed nationwide ban after a widespread campaign of phone calls, letters, and petitions.
If you are one of countless Alabama residents who cross the border into Georgia to buy kratom legally, it is imperative that you observe state and local laws. Under no circumstances should you return to the state of Alabama with kratom on your person. Kratom should only be enjoyed where it is lawful to do so.
You can visit the AKA to see if any upcoming events are planned in your area. This may include advocacy events and expos. You can also follow their Facebook page for forums and news.
Kratom enthusiasts in Alabama need to continue to let their opinions be known. If you see a petition, don’t just sign it. Leave a note for the lawmakers it is addressed to. Let them know how you feel.
As of today, kratom remains illegal in Alabama, with previous attempts to legalize it proving unsuccessful. However, research on kratom is increasingly abundant, continually highlighting its benefits.
How long can a medicinal plant with so many uses remain prohibited? In 2021, the World Health Organization (WHO) reviewed kratom and concluded that it does not pose a threat to the public. It is hoped that government officials will take a truthful look at kratom and stop basing their decisions on fear and misinformation.
While the situation is frustrating for kratom enthusiasts in Alabama, growing pressure from users might help push legalization through.
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