Is Kratom Legal in Rhode Island? A Comprehensive Guide by Golden Monk

In January, 2025, kratom will be legal in the state of Rhode Island, but as of now, it is not. 

The legalities of kratom have been a hotly debated topic in the US for several years. In 2016, the DEA announced its intention to add kratom to the list of Schedule I substances, which would make it illegal throughout the country. 

Fortunately, advocacy groups like the AKA (American Kratom Association) fought them, and the DEA withdrew their intention. While kratom is still legal in most of the country, there are six US states where the botanical is banned. These states include:

• Alabama
• Arkansas
• Indiana
• Rhode Island
• Wisconsin
• Vermont

Two lawmakers, Rep. John “Jay” Edwards, D-Tiverton, and Rep. Brian Patrick Kennedy, D-Westerly, have changed that. Their bill, H 5330, going into effect in January, 2025, will legalize kratom and protect consumers from tainted products. Known as The Kratom Consumer Protection Act, this bill reflects similar measures being pushed nationwide by the American Kratom Association.

Where is Kratom Legal 

Understanding where kratom is legal is essential. This is a map highlighting the regions where the use and possession of kratom are permitted.

While kratom is fully legal in some states, it’s crucial to note that laws vary significantly across the US. When traveling, it’s important to ensure that you do not transport kratom into states where it is prohibited, such as Rhode Island.

Why is Kratom Controversial? 

Though kratom is relatively new in the US market, it has been used in herbal medicine in Cambodia, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, and Papua New Guinea since at least the 19th century. But it has been, and remains, a topic of ongoing discussion with lawmakers here in the US. 

Kratom advocates highlight its benefits and criticize the U.S. FDA’s skepticism. The American Kratom Association argues that the concerns about kratom are based on questionable science.

Why is Rhode Island One of the Only States to Ban Kratom?

Rhode Island banned kratom in 2017, classifying its key components as Schedule 1 controlled substances. This decision was influenced by a 2016 DEA announcement suggesting a forthcoming federal ban, urged by the FDA. 

However, despite the FDA’s claims and Rhode Island’s preemptive action, the expected federal ban faced significant opposition and was never implemented. During a House Committee on Corporations meeting, Rep. Brian Patrick Kennedy argued that the Rhode Island Department of Health’s decision was based on misrepresentations by the FDA.

Will Kratom Become Legal in Rhode Island in the Future? 

Yes! H 5330 legalizes the sale of kratom in Rhode Island while ensuring that all products are free from dangerous non-kratom substances. The bill regulates the levels of 7-hydroxymitragynine, a key psychoactive alkaloid in kratom, and to ban synthetic versions of its components.

Under the bill, kratom products must include labels with safe usage instructions and a recommended serving size. Additionally, these products must be registered with the state, and supported by a certificate of analysis from an independent third-party lab.

Violations of these regulations would result in a $500 fine for first offenses and $1,000 for subsequent violations.

While the House has shown support for the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA), the challenge in states where kratom is banned lies in gaining the help of the Senate and the governor.

Golden Monk and the American Kratom Association’s Stance on Kratom Regulation

Golden Monk fully endorses the American Kratom Association’s efforts to lift the ban on kratom and supports specific regulations to guarantee kratom’s purity and safety for consumers. The AKA advocates for the following regulatory measures:

• Age Restrictions: The AKA supports limiting the sale of kratom to individuals who are either over 18 or 21 years old.
• Product Labeling: Accurate labeling of kratom products is crucial, and the AKA endorses labels that clearly state serving sizes and ingredients.
• Lab Testing: To ensure kratom products are free from contaminants, the AKA champions stringent lab testing to detect any harmful additives.

For Further Reading: 

• Cinosi, Eduardo, et al. “Following the Roots of Kratom.” NIH.gov. 10 November 2015
• Congress.gov. “S.3039 – Federal Kratom Consumer Protection Act.” Congress.gov. 2023
• Drug Enforcement Administration. “DEA Announces Intent To Schedule Kratom.” DEA.gov. 30 August 2016
• Farzan, Antonia Noori.  “This bill would legalize kratom in RI. What is it and why is it illegal now?” The Providence Journal. 11 April 2023.  
• Farzan, Antonia Noori. “RI House Votes to Legalize Herbal Substance Kratom – What to Know.” ProvidenceJournal.com. 12 June 2023. 
• Hansen, Johan. “Is Kratom Legal In Providence? No, & Here’s Why.” Kratom.org. 2023
• “Kratom Regulation: Federal Status and State Approaches.” crsreports.congress.gov. 28 Nov 2023
• Staff writer. Kratom State Legality and Legislation. “The American Kratom Association”. Accessed June 2023
• State of Rhode Island KCPA