Kratom Legality in Arkansas

Although kratom enthusiasts live across the U.S., there are several states that have banned kratom distribution, sales, and use. Unfortunately, kratom has been illegal in Arkansas since 2015. This means that if you break the Arkansas kratom laws, you may face significant legal consequences.  

However, all is not lost — recently, many states have passed kratom regulations that require a standard of safety and quality from all kratom vendors. Arkansas has considered a similar law, and may eventually remove the kratom ban. 

In the interim, it’s important to understand the laws in place and remain up-to-date on any state or federal changes in kratom legislation.

Kratom’s legality in Arkansas

In 2015, the Arkansas State Board of Health moved to classify kratom as a Schedule 1 controlled substance. This bill passed, and in Arkansas, kratom is now considered part of the same group as fentanyl and heroin, due to the alkaloids it contains and their potentially harmful effects.    

This move came at a time when qualifiable results of kratom research were extremely unclear. However, the possible benefits of the botanical weren’t explored, and the state chose to err on the side of caution.

Although Arkansas has not moved to remove the ban of kratom, recent discussion of possible changes in state kratom regulations has occurred.  

Possible changes in Arkansas kratom law

In 2023, a bill was introduced in the Arkansas state legislature that would lift the ban on kratom while still including mandated safety regulations to its distribution, labeling, and use. However, this bill has not passed through either chamber of the state congress.

The proposed bill, the Arkansas Kratom Consumer Protection Act (AKCPA), is a version of the similarly-titled Federal KCPA. This would remove kratom from the Schedule 1 classification while placing safeguards and other regulations in place to protect kratom users in the state.

Thus, the current kratom ban could pave the way for safe legality of kratom in the future. You can keep abreast of any legal changes in Arkansas by checking with local news sources and through visiting the websites of reputable kratom vendors like MIT45 and kratom advocacy groups such as the American Kratom Association (AKA). 

Federal KCPA

The proposed KCPA bill, also referred to as S.3039, would require an established FDA task force to evaluate the quantifiable health benefits and risks of taking kratom and the safety of all kratom products.   

The KCPA would also require all kratom vendors to:

• Ensure the purity of all kratom products to prevent adulteration and dangerous additives such as heavy metals from disreputable kratom vendors
• Obtain a vendor license to distribute, manufacture, and sell kratom products
• Place transparent and accurate labeling on every kratom product

In Arkansas and nationwide, the KCPA could allow kratom enthusiasts the peace of mind to enjoy products that have passed mandated kratom quality and safety standards.  

Current consequences of kratom possession, sales, and use in Arkansas

Although many of the best, most high-quality products are available online, shipping kratom into Arkansas is also illegal. Even if you’ve purchased kratom products legally in another state, you could face severe legal consequences if you transport the botanical into Arkansas.

According to state code § 5-64-419, here are some of the legal ramifications you could experience if you’re caught manufacturing, selling, or using kratom in Arkansas:

• Class D felony charge (if you’re found in possession of 0g-2g of kratom)
• Class C felony charge for 2g-10g of kratom products
• Class B felony charge for 10g-28g of kratom
• Up to 20 years in prison 
• $15,000 fine  

AKA and kratom advocacy

The AKA is the premier national organization for kratom advocacy, awareness, education, and research. The group advocates for a national KCPA to allow people from all walks of life to enjoy safe kratom use, and the AKA website includes numerous resources for those just beginning their kratom journeys. 

The AKA’s GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice Standards) Qualified Vendors guide includes MIT45, and includes only reputable kratom vendors committed to transparent product labeling, purity, and safety. As AKA continues to support the KCPA, the Arkansas kratom ban could change, too. 

Where is kratom legal in the U.S.?

Although many states allow unregulated kratom, others — including Colorado and Texas — have recently passed kratom regulations. Along with Arkansas, several other states, including Indiana, have banned kratom.

Thus, it’s a good idea to read up on laws in your area before you make a kratom purchase or use the botanical. This guide is a general resource to kratom’s state-by-state legal status, and a basic internet search should provide any updates as well.

Can you purchase kratom online in Arkansas?

Unfortunately, due to the Arkansas ban on kratom, it’s illegal to purchase products online and have them shipped to the state. However, if you move out of state, online kratom vendors are your best option for purchases. Shopping online allows you to fully research products and brands before you buy.

Kratom FAQ

What is kratom?

Native to Southeast Asia, kratom is a tropical tree and a member of the coffee family. Kratom leaves in different stages of growth are harvested and used for a multitude of purposes around the world. You may come across kratom resources that refer to its botanical name, Mitragynia speciosa.

In countries like Malaysia and Thailand, locals may brew kratom leaves into teas, chew them, or smoke them, and often include kratom in spiritual ceremonies. Kratom products, including capsules, gummies, liquid extracts, and powders, are made from harvested kratom leaves and may produce a wide variety of experiences.

Why do people use kratom?

Scientific research into the potential benefits of kratom is ongoing, and there is not yet conclusive evidence of uniform results. However, kratom enthusiasts report a multitude of personal accounts of kratom’s positive outcomes. 

It’s important to remember that every individual experience may be different, and a variety of factors such as medical history and physical size might impact kratom’s effects on the body. Some of the possible kratom benefits may include:

• Comfort
• Energy boosts
• Relaxation
• Soothing feelings
• Uplifting experiences  

What are the possible negative effects of kratom?

Any time a botanical is overused or misused, it may cause detrimental effects. If a beginner or seasoned kratom user chooses to disregard suggested serving sizes and other use recommendations from certified vendors, they may experience negative results.

Similarly, there are dishonest vendors that may distribute products to convenience stores and other physical locations that don’t have a vetting process. These vendors may adulterate kratom products or include additives that can adversely impact kratom users.

It’s important to look for transparent product labeling before making a kratom purchase, and it may help to become familiar with leading kratom brands that promote safety and quality in their products. It’s also wise to avoid mixing kratom with other products that may not interact with the botanical in a positive way.

Some of the potentially negative effects of overused or misused kratom might include:

• Dehydration
• Fatigue
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Vomiting