Is Kratom Legal in Alabama?

Mitragyna speciosa, also known as kratom, is a natural substance with stimulant and opioid-like effects. It’s traditionally used in Thailand and Southeast Asia for pain relief and opioid withdrawal. However, its legality in the U.S. varies a lot. In Alabama, kratom is strictly illegal.

Many wonder, “Is kratom legal in Alabama?” The answer is no. Alabama state laws clearly ban the possession, sale, or use of kratom.

Key Takeaways

• Kratom legal status significantly varies across the United States.
• In Alabama, kratom is currently illegal to possess, sell, or use.
• Pharmacists working for independent pharmacies are more likely to be aware of kratom than those at chain pharmacies (61% vs. 41%)¹.
• Approximately 50% of pharmacists in Alabama had heard of kratom¹.
• The U.S. National Poison Data System received 885 calls in 2019 where kratom was the sole agent of exposure¹.

History of Kratom Laws in Alabama

Kratom laws in Alabama have changed a lot over time. At first, people could buy and use kratom freely. It was seen as a natural alternative to traditional medicines. But, concerns about health and safety led to a ban.

Initial Legal Status

At the start, Alabama had no rules about kratom. People could buy, sell, and use it without worry. This made a community of kratom fans who saw its benefits. But, soon, the state started to look closer at kratom’s risks.

Senate Bill 226

In May 2016, Governor Robert Bentley signed Senate Bill 226. This bill made kratom illegal in Alabama². It banned the sale, possession, and use of kratom. The bill focused on kratom’s main chemicals, making them Schedule I substances.

Role of Alkaloids in Kratom Ban

The ban on kratom in Alabama was mainly because of its alkaloids. Mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine were seen as risky. Senate Bill 226 put these compounds in the Schedule I list. This made kratom as illegal as other banned drugs, despite its potential benefits.

Current Legal Status of Kratom in Alabama

Kratom is illegal in Alabama. The state has strict rules to keep it away from people³

Prohibited Actions

In Alabama, you can’t have, sell, or give kratom. The ban aims to stop misuse and health problems³⁴. Even though kratom is popular, with items like 7709500932309 and 7699063341269, it’s not allowed to be sold or given out³.

Controlled Substance Classification

Kratom is a Schedule I controlled substance in Alabama. This puts it in the same group as heroin and methamphetamine⁴. The state is very strict about kratom and its parts, like mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. This means all kratom activities are banned. Nearby states have different rules, but Alabama’s laws are clear⁴.

Penalties and Consequences for Kratom Possession

In Alabama, having kratom can lead to serious legal trouble. It’s important to know the laws to avoid problems.

Class D Felony

Kratom possession is a Class D felony in Alabama. This means you could face 1 to 5 years in prison. You might also have to pay up to $7,500 in fines.

Trafficking Penalties

Kratom trafficking is even more serious. It can lead to life in prison and fines up to $250,000. Alabama wants to stop kratom trafficking.

Sale to Minors

Selling kratom to minors is a big no-no. It’s a Class A felony. You could get a long prison sentence without parole.

There are also some interesting facts about kratom. In 2011, there were 13 calls to Poison Control about kratom. By 2017, that number jumped to 682 calls⁵. From 2011 to 2017, there were 1807 calls, mostly in 2016 and 2017⁵. The FDA is worried about kratom, saying it’s addictive and doesn’t help with health problems⁶.

Why Did Alabama Ban Kratom?

The main kratom ban reasons in Alabama were to act before a federal ban in 2016. The DEA planned to list kratom as a Schedule I controlled substance. Alabama banned it early, expecting the federal government to follow, but the DEA later backed down due to public opposition⁷.

Kratom use in Alabama grew before the ban, with more liquid, pill, and powder forms found in stores and online⁷. The DEA and FDA also raised concerns about kratom’s health risks⁸. Alabama made kratom’s alkaloids, mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine, Schedule I substances, supporting the ban⁷.

Alabama also banned kratom because of a misunderstanding about its alkaloids. People thought they were synthetic, even though they’re naturally found in the plant. This belief influenced the kratom legislation, despite the alkaloids’ natural origin⁷.

Risks of Possessing Kratom in Alabama

Having kratom in Alabama can lead to big problems. The state has strict laws and social rules against it. There have been 196 cases of kratom possession, showing how serious the ban is⁹. If caught, you could face serious legal trouble, affecting your future.

Kratom is seen as a controlled substance in Alabama. In 2021, 186 out of 196 cases led to legal action⁹. This can mean fines or jail time. You might also face social stigma, making your life harder.

The health risks of kratom are also big. The FDA found at least 44 deaths linked to kratom in 2017¹⁰. Many of these deaths were due to tainted products or mixing kratom with other substances. This can cause liver damage, seizures, and even stop breathing, showing how dangerous kratom can be¹¹.

Places like Location X, Y, and Z are hotspots for kratom possession. This can lead to charges like possession with intent to distribute⁹. The legal and health risks are serious, making it crucial to know the dangers of kratom in Alabama. The consequences include social stigma and severe legal penalties.

Is Kratom Legal in Other States?

Kratom laws vary across the United States. It’s legal at the federal level but different states have their own rules. Some states allow it, others restrict it, and a few ban it.

States Where Kratom is Legal

In some states, kratom is legal but with rules. Pennsylvania and New Jersey don’t ban or regulate it, so people can use it¹². Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and Florida have laws to protect kratom users and ensure quality¹³. Maryland is working on a similar law¹².

States with Restrictions or Bans

Other states have strict rules or ban kratom. Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin don’t allow it¹². Even in legal states, some areas have their own bans. For example, in Illinois, some counties don’t allow kratom¹³. In San Diego, 46.2% of stores sell kratom, showing it’s available despite state bans¹⁴.

Federal Perspective on Kratom

Federally, kratom is seen as a plant like coffee. The FDA says it can’t be sold as a drug or supplement¹². There’s a debate about regulating it due to concerns about its strength and health risks¹². Despite bans, kratom is found in many places. For example, 62.4% of California’s vape shops sell it, more in shops that sell both vape and smoke products¹⁴.

Kratom laws are changing as research and health talks continue. These talks will shape future laws about kratom. This is important because it affects how easy it is to get and use kratom in the US.

Conclusion

The legal status of kratom in Alabama reflects a bigger debate across the country. In Alabama, kratom is illegal, just like in six other states and 15 countries¹⁵. This ban is due to worries about its misuse and health risks. High doses can cause problems like fast heart rate, dizziness, seizures, and even psychosis¹⁵.

Despite these risks, many are fighting to understand kratom’s benefits. They see it as a way to manage pain and help with opioid withdrawal¹⁶. Over 50 Congress members and a 100,000-signature petition show strong public support for more research¹⁵. The DEA’s 2016 plan to ban kratom was strongly opposed, showing the tension between rules and advocacy¹⁵.

The future of kratom laws is still up in the air. The FDA is leading studies on kratom’s effects and safety¹⁶. This research and ongoing talks aim to find a balance between kratom’s traditional use and its risks. This debate is key to making informed decisions about kratom’s legality in Alabama and the U.S.

Source Links

1. Knowledge of Kratom among Alabama Pharmacists – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10801507/
2. Is Kratom Legal in Alabama? Greatest Hurdles in 2024 – Top Tree Herbs – https://toptreeherbs.com/is-kratom-legal-in-alabama-2023-challenges/
3. Is Kratom Legal in Alabama? Full Facts – https://choicekratom.com/blogs/news/is-kratom-legal-in-alabama?srsltid=AfmBOorpkgEfBi0f4Jycm2Qq9oX3kIue1dARhn8zIvBoguSSMNdn7Exm
4. Is Kratom Legal In Alabama – Professor Whyte’s – https://professorwhytes.com/is-kratom-legal-in-alabama/?srsltid=AfmBOopeuv0QJQ4X-NZ0oF9orUu08xJZAeMuTeg4fLenE12oyBAxb2_M
5. Kratom – Environmental Health – https://www.vdh.virginia.gov/environmental-health/public-health-toxicology/kratom/
6. Is Kratom Legal? Kratom Legality by State – Sprout Health Group – https://www.sprouthealthgroup.com/substances/is-kratom-legal-by-state/
7. What is kratom? Alabama latest state to ban plant-derived drug – https://www.al.com/news/2016/05/alabama_becomes_latest_state_t.html
8. Kratom | St Charles County, MO – https://www.sccmo.org/2078/Kratom
9. Is Kratom Legal in Alabama? Full Facts – https://choicekratom.com/blogs/news/is-kratom-legal-in-alabama?srsltid=AfmBOoqgmIm2Ld5Me2piIxV7K8Xg26qSkFaDjg5pmTpAm4eGAI5u_zm-
10. Kratom Fact Sheet – Extension Family & Human Development – https://www.montana.edu/extension/health/opioid_resources/Kratom_factcard.html
11. Kratom is Legal, But Is It Really Safe? | Banner Health – https://www.bannerhealth.com/healthcareblog/teach-me/kratom-is-legal-but-is-it-really-safe
12. Kratom Chronicles: Maryland Steps Up Herbal Saga, Other States Leafing Through Their Laws – https://norrismclaughlin.com/lg/compliance/kratom-chronicles-maryland-steps-up-herbal-saga-other-states-leafing-through-their-laws/
13. Is Kratom Legal Where I Live? – https://krakenkratom.com/resources/kratom_local_legal/
14. Kratom availability in California vape shops – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10481347/
15. The DEA Changes Its Mind on Kratom – https://www.uspharmacist.com/article/the-dea-changes-its-mind-on-kratom
16. FDA and Kratom – https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-and-kratom