Orders placed Dec 29–Jan 1 may not ship until Jan 2

Search

Cart

Account

Search

Is Kratom Legal In Alabama In 2024? A Complete Guide

Kratom 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. 

Kratom Legality In Alabama

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.

When Was Kratom Banned in Alabama?

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.

What Happens if You Buy Kratom in Alabama?

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.

History of the Fight for Kratom Rights in Alabama

History of the Fight for Kratom Rights in Alabama

Kratom advocates haven’t let the ban stop them from fighting for their rights. A petition launched before the vote on SB226 collected almost 800 signatures.  Currently, there is no current pending legislation seeking a repeal. The American Kratom Association does continue to lobby state lawmakers in order to introduce a repeal bill as soon as possible, though. Organizations like the AKA have been exhausting all resources in their efforts to change public opinion about the herb and its alkaloids. Representatives for the nonprofit advocacy group even share copious amounts of scientific data with politicians, in the vain hope that they will reconsider their positions. So far, these efforts have met with little interest from state lawmakers. On the other hand, public outcry has made an enormous difference in the past. 

Is Kratom Safe? 

Kratom is often considered safer than many prescription medications with similar effects, but like any substance, it can have potential side effects. To ensure a positive experience: All herbal substances can be misused or overused, leading to uncomfortable or even dangerous effects. Beginner kratom users should stick to small sample sizes from reliable vendors. Potential negative effects of overusing or misusing kratom include dehydration, fatigue, headaches, nausea, and vomiting. To avoid these effects, start with small servings and monitor your reactions before increasing the amount.

Where Is Kratom Legal?

It’s important to know where kratom is legally permitted. Below is a map that highlights the regions where the use and possession of kratom are allowed.

Why Should States Enact the KCPA

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. 

What Can You Do About Kratom?

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.

The Future of Kratom In Alabama

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.

Share Post

You May Also Like

You must be 21+ to enter

I am not

By clicking yes you also confirm that you have read and agree to GoldenMonk's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy and Goldenmonks’s service provider’s terms of service and privacy policy.

Terms of Purchase

Product Disclaimer

This product is NOT used to treat, cure. or mitigate any disease, illness, ailment, and/or condition. Please see FDA import alert 54-15. We make no representations as to intended use or suitability for use. This product contains chemicals known to the state of California to cause cancer, birth defects, or other reproductive harm. Specifically, nickel, arsenic, and lead. For more information please visit p65warnings.ca.gov

Product Use & Handling

We do not supply any usage instructions or directions for use on this website or on product packaging. We do not endorse our product use for any purpose and sell it without any directions for this reason. The customer is fully liable to decide which way they use our products and by purchasing fully agree to these terms and understand the meaning of them. All customers are fully liable for the due diligence and research they carry out on intended use of the products we carry. Customers are responsible for knowing the risks and issues that could arise from the way they use or handle our products.

Liability Waiver

By purchasing from goldenmonk.com you agree to hold the website harmless from any issue that may arise from the use or handling of our products. From the moment the intended recipient of an order receives the product, the hold harmless clause goes into effect. Additionally, we are not responsible for any third-party handling of the product(s). The intended recipient is the person who receives the product at the shipping address that the customer supplies in their order details.

Age Restriction

We require all users of this website to comply with the age restrictions. Users below 21 years of age are not allowed to browse or access any of our content under the terms of service policy. If you are under 21 years of age, please leave this website immediately. Anyone under 21 years of age cannot browse this website even if they are accompanied by someone over the age of 21.

Legal Waiver

By purchasing our products, you understand that there may be various legalities between states and counties. While this website keeps up with laws and legislation, we cannot guarantee the information is 100% up to date. The customer is liable for their purchase and the due diligence of knowing the laws in their area. We will not be held responsible for any use of our products in which the customer orders to or travels to.

Customer Data

The customer understands that their personal data will be used for the operation and business of this website. The use of this personal data is used to ship orders, contact our customers and to complete payments. For more information on how we use and protect this personal data, please see our privacy policy.

User Access / Customer Accounts

We reserve the right to terminate the access of any user to this website at any time for any reason. We do not need to give a reason for terminating a user account or customer from our database. We reserve the right to block any customer account, user IP address, email address, phone number, shipping or billing address at any time for any reason as we see fit. We may also block a specific payment method or blacklist a customer altogether from all payment methods.

Contact Us

Phone: (855) 997-6665
Email: [email protected]

Corporate

GMA Acquisitions LLC
380 West Lawndale Dr.
Salt Lake City, UT, 84115